IHSS Carbon Reduction Plan
Our Commitment to Net Zero
IHSS is committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, supporting the NHS ambition to become the world’s first Net Zero national health service. This goal is embedded across our operations, governance, and long-term strategy, reflecting our dedication to sustainable healthcare.
Measuring Our Impact
Our baseline year is 2020, measured using Climate Essentials. We track emissions across all three scopes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity
Scope 3: Business travel, commuting, and supply chain activities
We have pledged to halve Scope 1, Scope 2, and business travel emissions by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2040.
Our Carbon Reduction Actions
Completed initiatives include:
- Transition to 100% renewable electricity (2021)
- Installation of LED lighting, room sensors, and improved cooling systems
- Introduction of low-emission delivery vehicles (2022)
- Implementation of Climate Essentials carbon tracking (2023)
- IOSH sustainability training for our Green Team
- Commitment to the Prompt Payment Code
Ongoing and planned initiatives:
- Embedding sustainability objectives in job descriptions and PDPs
- Mandatory sustainability training for all employees
- Enhanced energy monitoring via RUMED360
- Water-saving innovations in sterilisation processes
- Offload ramps for washers and sterilisers to improve efficiency
- Reuse of final rinse water to reduce both energy and water consumption
Governance and Reporting
A dedicated Net Zero Corporate Champion ensures compliance and oversees all Net Zero activities, responding to NHS escalations within 10 business days. Progress is monitored through the Evergreen Supplier Assessment, and quarterly ESG reports capture electricity, gas, and transport data across all sites.
Social Value and People
Sustainability at IHSS goes beyond carbon. We are proud members of the Good Business Charter and Great Place to Work initiatives, and are working toward Living Wage accreditation. Our commitment includes:
- Promoting fair labour and inclusive recruitment
- Conducting annual wellbeing surveys
- Supporting volunteering programmes that enhance biodiversity and local green spaces
Looking Ahead: Scope 3 and Product-Level Planning
IHSS is preparing for the 2027 milestone requiring global reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and product-level carbon footprinting by 2028. Supplier engagement and contingency planning are already integrated into our procurement and operational frameworks.
Transparency and Accountability
Our Carbon Reduction Plan and Net Zero Commitment are publicly available and will be updated in line with NHS roadmap revisions.