The new Sustainability Strategy 2023 – 2028 from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) shares a vision for a “resilient health service which is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable” and sets out plans to utilise technology to support with property, transport, communications and more.
In the area of energy efficiency and net zero for heat, one of the objectives shared in the strategy is to “improve data collection processes and data quality of heat and power elements within the carbon emissions boundary”.
To date, the document shares a focus on reviewing energy and renewable frameworks with a view to widening the range of technologies that can be used; in addition, a digital strategy and cloud strategy have been agreed by NHSGGC’s eHealth department, “which will result in cloud technologies being used where possible”. This will also mean that “any new infrastructure which will be sited in computer rooms will have an element of power consumption reduction included within tenders.”
Looking to the future, NHSGGC pledges to consider suitable renewable technologies in all construction and major refurbishment projects, and to work with colleagues in eHealth on the development on the cloud-first strategy.
With regards to property and capital planning, NHSGGC plans to explore use of renewable heating systems, utilising this technology “where appropriate”.
Looking at transport and active travel, the strategy notes that the organisation has a hybrid working policy and is making efforts to enhance online consultation options, with the aim of not only helping to meet greenhouse gas emissions targets, but also to have support patient and staff wellbeing.
On communications and training, the document highlights plans to develop digital sharing platforms with the aim of generating sustainability discussions, raising awareness and sharing best practice. Additionally, NHSGGC’s website is to provide sustainability resources to support staff.
To view the strategy in full, please click here.
Also on digital in sustainability, we interviewed Philip Branford and Julia Antcliffe at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, to find out how digital can play a role in advancing sustainability objectives within the NHS.
Earlier this month, we looked at a new research project led by King’s College London, seeking to explore the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence enabled health, with a central focus on how “ethical principles can be integrated to improve the sustainability” of digital health systems.
