Bupa has launched a new report aimed at supporting the healthcare sector to reduce its environmental impact.
The report, a collaboration between Bupa Global, India & UK (BGIUK), The University of Manchester and The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, aims to tackle the issues faced by the healthcare sector.
The sector is currently responsible for almost 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
At Health & Protection’s IPMI Summit in March, Health Care Without Harm said that figure would make it the fifth largest country in terms of emissions.
Bupa’s report explores the financial, operational and logistical challenges of reducing organisations’ environmental footprints, and opportunities to reduce emissions, update clinical practices to reduce environmental impact, engage employees and work with supply chains.
Included is a showcase of best practice from hospital and technology providers, NHS trusts, insurers and industry and sustainability associations.
The report also features a practical scorecard that allows organisations to measure progress against carbon reduction best practice and take forward practical actions in five key action areas:
- Supply chain – the largest proportion of a healthcare organisation’s carbon impact
- Healthcare estates – which make up 18% of all healthcare provision emissions
- Travel and transport – which makes up 4% of an organisation’s emissions footprint
- Clinical practice – including reassessing clinical pathways to provide care that’s best for patients and the planet
- Governance and staff – the importance of high quality governance and engagement when making change
Bupa aims to become a net zero business by 2040. This included upcycled medical uniforms made from recycled plastic and wood pulp, Sagetech Medical (anaesthetics gases capture and recycling system) and Naked Energy (solar energy providers).
Anna Russell, corporate responsibility and sustainability director for BGIUK said: “At Bupa, we believe that the health of people and the health of our planet are inextricably linked, and this means we have a big responsibility to make a better world for the generations to come.
“Across the healthcare sector we share a responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare while upholding high standards of patient care.
“We hope that this report will serve as a useful roadmap for organisations and that we can work together on common challenges to reach our environmental goals.”
Lou Cordwell, professor of Innovation and special adviser to the president and vice-chancellor at the University of Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to launch this first project as part of the University’s strategic innovation collaboration with Bupa.
“This report leverages the incredible sustainability expertise of the Tyndall team to create a valuable tool that we’re confident will be hugely impactful across the Bupa business and partner network as well as the wider industry.”