Introduction: our commitment to a greener NHS
The NHS has set an ambitious target to become the world’s first net-zero national health service. At the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Emergency and Acute Care, we are proud to align with this mission by embedding sustainability into every aspect of our work. As part of the NIHR’s wider commitment to climate, health, and sustainability, we recognise the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of health and care services while continuing to deliver world-class research and innovation.
Our sustainability strategy
We are pleased to introduce our new Sustainability Strategy, developed in collaboration with stakeholders across the research and innovation ecosystem, including NHS partners, academia, industry, and patient groups. This strategy outlines our vision to lead in sustainable health technology innovation and to ensure that environmental sustainability is embedded in all that we do.
Aims
Our strategy is built around four core aims:
Operational Delivery
Minimising the carbon footprint of our research and day-to-day operations.
Knowledge Mobilisation
Sharing best practices and resources to support sustainable innovation.
……. Capacity ……. Building
Equipping researchers, innovators, and staff with the skills to embed sustainability into their work.
Sustainable Research
Prioritising and expanding research that supports decarbonisation of health and care pathways.
These aims are underpinned by cross-cutting themes of inclusive research, health equity, and meaningful patient and public involvement. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change are central to our approach.
You can read more about our sustainability ambitions in our full strategy:
Taking action and building partnerships
Our strategy is not just a statement of intent—it is a call to action. We are already implementing sustainability impact assessments into every one of our projects, integrating sustainability into staff roles and training, and working with partners to co-design low-carbon innovations. We are also developing a centralised Sustainability Knowledge Hub to provide tools, guidance, and resources for researchers and innovators.
- You can access our sustainability resources in the hub here.
To reach the NHS’s ambitious aims for sustainable healthcare, whilst maintaining the highest possible levels of care, we believe that it will be vital to work with the HealthTech industry to innovate for a sustainable future. That’s why we’re inviting innovators, researchers, and industry partners who share our vision to work with us. Whether you’re developing sustainable technologies, exploring the carbon impact of care pathways, or looking to embed sustainability into your research, we want to hear from you.
Join us
Explore our Sustainability Knowledge Hub to access resources, training, and opportunities for collaboration. Together, we can drive forward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient health and care system.
Please do get in touch to collaborate with us, or learn more about our work in sustainability.