Howden has published a new whitepaper, Future-ready health and care: Aligning with NHS Net Zero and Green Plans, providing practical guidance for independent healthcare providers, care home operators and private hospital groups navigating the evolving sustainability landscape across health and social care.
As NHS England progresses towards its ambition of achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by 2045, organisations supplying goods and services to the NHS are facing increasing expectations around sustainability performance, Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs) and alignment with local Trust Green Plans.
The report explores how providers can respond to these developments while strengthening operational resilience, improving efficiency and enhancing their position within NHS procurement processes.
Rather than viewing decarbonisation solely through a compliance lens, the whitepaper argues that organisations can use the transition as an opportunity to build stronger, more resilient and future-ready care models.
The publication examines key developments including the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, the growing importance of Carbon Reduction Plans, the CQC’s environmental sustainability assessment approach and the role of Green Plans in shaping procurement and partnership decisions across the healthcare system.
It also provides practical guidance for organisations seeking to establish a Carbon Reduction Plan, including governance considerations, emissions data collection, target setting, supplier engagement and implementation planning.
The report highlights how healthcare organisations can derive broader strategic value from decarbonisation efforts, including:
· Strengthening NHS procurement positioning
· Improving operational efficiency
· Reducing exposure to rising energy costs
· Building resilience to climate-related risks
· Supporting long-term investment and growth
· Future-proofing service delivery
The whitepaper further explores the role that insurance, risk management and innovative financing solutions can play in supporting healthcare organisations through transition programmes.
According to the report, financial constraints remain one of the most significant barriers facing providers seeking to invest in decarbonisation and climate resilience initiatives. It suggests that partnerships between healthcare providers, NHS organisations, insurers, brokers and risk specialists can help unlock practical solutions that make sustainability investments more achievable.
Pete Wickham, Divisional Director, Health & Care, Howden, said:
“The conversation around net zero is increasingly moving beyond compliance. Healthcare providers are being asked to demonstrate how they can support NHS sustainability objectives while continuing to deliver high-quality care in a financially challenging environment.
For many organisations, the opportunity lies in identifying practical actions that strengthen resilience, improve operational efficiency and support procurement objectives at the same time. A well-developed Carbon Reduction Plan can become a strategic business tool rather than simply a procurement requirement.”
The report also considers the increasing importance of aligning supplier activity with individual NHS Trust Green Plans.
As sustainability expectations become more embedded within procurement and supplier assessment processes, providers that can demonstrate credible action and measurable progress may be better positioned to build long-term partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.
Jon Taylor, Divisional Director, Head of Corporate Risks, Health & Care, Howden, said:
“Healthcare organisations are operating against a backdrop of rising costs, operational pressures and increasing climate-related risks.
Decarbonisation should not be viewed in isolation from those challenges. When approached strategically, it can support more resilient buildings, more efficient operations and better preparedness for future disruption.
The organisations that engage early and develop credible, practical plans will be better positioned to adapt to changing expectations and build long-term value for patients, residents, staff and stakeholders.”
The whitepaper concludes that collaboration will be critical to delivering successful outcomes.
By bringing together healthcare providers, NHS organisations, insurers, brokers, financiers and risk experts, the sector has an opportunity to create approaches that support both sustainability ambitions and the delivery of high-quality care.
Future-ready health & care: Aligning with NHS Net Zero and Green Plans is available to download from Howden’s website.
Download the full report here: https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/health-and-social-care-climate-whitepaper
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