5 key learnings from Zellar's pilot programme with the NHS: Advancing sustainability in healthcare

The NHS is estimated to represent 4% of the UK's emissions and 40% of the entire public sector’s so sustainability across the healthcare sector is critical for the UK to be able to meet its net zero emissions.  

To help develop a fit-for-purpose solution, Zellar has begun a pilot programme to identify how we can help a broad range of NHS services measure, manage and share their sustainability progress. We continue to work closely with 25 NHS entities from hospitals and mental health care providers through to research entities across the UK.  

So, what have we learned so far? Here are five early learnings from our pilot group. 

1. One size doesn’t fit all 

NHS is vast and covers a broad spectrum of building types, with faculties and departments spread over multiple sites. Each NHS service is operated differently; some have a top-down strategy with clear actions and whereas others have just one person in charge of sustainability. 

What we’ve learnt is there needs to be a standardised approach through the platform to help them all start on their journey to identify what those similarities may be, how we can develop a best practice approach and implement a consistent measurement of success. 

2.  Scope 1 and 2 need to be considered  

Scope 3 is a major focus and the main challenge with this is the measurement and mapping. Because it’s so big and encompasses a huge array of items both specific to health service (e.g. medical products and medicine) and general to such a huge organisation, at an operational level there is no standard approach to start measuring.  

Scope 3 is complicated and may take longer to measure and improve as it relies on outside partners. It is important that scopes 1 and 2 are also a focus to start driving down emissions as soon as possible as well as enable suppliers to work out their scope 3. So far there has been a mixed approach in tackling scopes 1 and 2 - some services are actively moving to renewable energy supply, making behavioural changes and using green technology to manage energy usage such as having light sensors, whilst others aren’t clear on what action they need to take or how to do it.  

3. Innovative ways to reduce waste and improve recycling efforts  

The NHS is working with suppliers who are getting creative with their waste.  For example, one supplier has explored the idea of shredding inward cardboard boxes and repurposing the result for void fill, composting, and even livestock bedding in rural areas.  

The NHS has begun sourcing fabrics made from recycled materials. While these fabrics are as effective as newly formed ones, they initially come at a higher cost. The NHS is considering offering two price lists to choose between sustainable but slightly more expensive options or current materials. This strategy demonstrates a long-term commitment to sustainability, aiming to bridge the price gap and eventually make sustainable choices more accessible to all. 

4. Pursuit of renewable energy for the future 

The NHS is seeking to become energy independent and reduce its reliance on the grid. To help achieve this goal it’s investing in educating its employees with courses from the Renewable Energy Institute as well as exploring the adoption of renewable energy sources. 

5. Storytelling is important  

Many in our pilot group told us that all NHS services need to get better at telling their sustainability stories. The NHS is part of the fabric of UK society and with so much great work being done, it could play a pivotal role in inspiring both businesses and individuals to take action.  

Our group felt that better use of social media was the ideal way to get that story out, and could see how Zellar’s public facing sustainability profile and score could play an important role in telling their stories. 

How has the pilot been so far? 

Zellar’s pilot with the NHS has been a brilliant opportunity to learn. We’ve been heartened by some of the work the NHS is doing, the positivity of those involved and their vision for the future. As our pilot continues, we look forward to learning and working together to build a solution that will help the NHS on its pathway to sustainability. 

For more information about our partnership with the NHS and how to get involved, please contact our partnerships team.