New strategy maps NES journey towards net zero

New strategy maps NES journey towards net zero

NES has a published a new Climate Emergency and Sustainability strategy (2024 – 2027) detailing its role in supporting NHS Scotland commitments towards net zero.

The strategy outlines NES activities aimed at reducing its own direct emissions, as well as embedding climate emergency and sustainability practices within education and training for the health and social care workforce.

Karen Reid, Chief Executive, NES said:

“I am pleased to introduce this strategy and accompanying action plan which defines ways that NES will help mitigate the impact of climate change across all aspects of our work.

“NES has a key role to play in raising and influencing awareness and understanding of the climate emergency. How we embed the principles of sustainability and sustainable care into our education, training and workforce development programmes for health and social care will help us progress towards achieving our climate goals.

“Net zero initiatives are threaded throughout work such as training in relation to use of nitrous oxide in dental sedation Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme Practice Support Manual supports the NHS Scotland aim of zero emissions of nitrous oxide by 2027.

“Our climate emergency response aligns with our broader NES Corporate Strategy with an emphasis on providing digital innovation and infrastructure to sustainably support that workforce.”

The NES climate emergency and sustainability strategy and action plan is focused on the following key areas of activity:

• education and training
• clinical
• transport and travel
• procurement
• digital infrastructure
• governance and policy
• waste
• capital projects and adaptation
• greenspace and biodiversity

NES appointed Gillian Mawdsley, Board member as Climate Emergency and Sustainability Champion; David Felix, Postgraduate Dental Dean/Director of Dentistry as Clinical and Care Lead; and Jim Boyle, Finance Director as Executive Lead for its Climate Emergency and Sustainability response.

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