Partnership with Refreshment Systems:
Amid the growing concerns about climate change and environmental preservation, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, one of the world’s largest publicly funded health services, is taking bold and necessary steps towards environmental sustainability. Realising the critical need to mitigate its carbon footprint, the NHS has outlined an ambitious plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This noble endeavour will be challenging, but not unattainable, especially with the right partners at its side.
One such potential partner is Refreshment Systems, a company deeply committed to reducing its own environmental impact. Refreshment Systems has a proven track record of commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality, making it an ideal partner for the NHS in this journey towards a greener future.
Commitment to Sustainability
Both NHS and Refreshment Systems share a deep commitment to sustainability. The NHS’s ambitious plan includes an 80% reduction in emissions by 2028-2032. As part of this commitment, the NHS plans on significant operational changes, such as eliminating all coal and oil heating systems, purchasing 100% renewable energy from 2021, and implementing a £50 million LED lighting replacement programme.
On the other hand, Refreshment Systems has been offsetting its carbon footprint since 2008. By supporting projects like the Kenyan Energy Efficient Stove Project, Refreshment Systems is directly contributing to a global reduction in carbon emissions. This project not only decreases the need for firewood, thereby reducing deforestation, but it also offers an efficient and healthier method of cooking to local communities.
Alignment with the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement, a landmark in the multilateral climate change process, seeks to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving this goal requires massive changes in all sectors, including healthcare and catering services.
The NHS’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions aligns perfectly with the Paris Agreement’s aim. This ambition requires a broad, concerted effort and partnerships with organisations that share the same vision, such as Refreshment Systems. Together, they can contribute to the global effort to keep the Earth’s temperature within safe levels.
Collective Action for a Greener Future
The journey towards a greener future needs more than just ambition; it requires collective action. As such, NHS is looking for partners who are not just committed to sustainability, but can also influence their networks to take action.
Refreshment Systems, with its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality, is an ideal partner in this mission. It’s not just about the environment, but about creating a sustainable health service that can serve generations to come.
By partnering with Refreshment Systems, NHS can take advantage of their sustainability expertise, learn from their experience in carbon offsetting, and leverage their commitment to sustainable practices. This partnership can help the NHS to achieve its net-zero target while setting a benchmark for other health services worldwide.
Benefits that Refreshment Systems could bring to the partnership with NHS:
Product Sustainability
Refreshment Systems takes a strong stance on sustainability across its products and services, offering PEFC accredited cups, which assures customers that they are sourced from sustainably managed forests. This commitment extends to their entire supply chain, aligning with NHS’s focus on reducing the environmental impact of their supplies and medicines.
Waste Management and Recycling
Refreshment Systems also promotes recycling and sustainability within its operations. Their focus on reducing and efficiently managing waste aligns well with the NHS’s own waste reduction goals. By sharing best practices and potentially integrating waste management strategies, NHS could enhance its recycling efforts and further decrease its carbon footprint.
Innovation and Technology
Refreshment Systems is at the forefront of digital transformation in the vending and refreshment industry. This emphasis on innovation and technology aligns perfectly with the NHS’s goal of ensuring its digital transformation aligns with being a net-zero health service. By working together, NHS can leverage Refreshment Systems’ technological capabilities to develop energy-efficient solutions.
Green Education and Advocacy
Refreshment Systems is actively involved in educating customers and stakeholders about the importance of sustainability. By partnering with Refreshment Systems, the NHS can leverage their expertise in sustainability education to create awareness among its staff, patients, and the public. This will be critical to ensuring everyone plays their part in helping the NHS become a net-zero health service.
Through these additional aspects, Refreshment Systems could make a substantial contribution to the NHS’s sustainability journey, bringing the NHS closer to its net-zero goal, and making a significant contribution to combating climate change.
In conclusion, the NHS’s commitment to net-zero emissions is not just an environmental necessity but also a health imperative. Refreshment Systems, with its proven track record in sustainability, is perfectly aligned to support NHS in this mission. Through this partnership, they can collectively contribute to a greener, healthier future.
Resources:
1. Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service report: This comprehensive report outlines the NHS’s ambitious plan to become the world’s first net-zero national health service by 2040. It provides a detailed roadmap to reducing emissions across various aspects of the healthcare service, from estates and facilities to supply chains and travel.
2. The Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is a global treaty to combat climate change, agreed upon by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, 2015. The agreement sets out a goal to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and further aim for a 1.5°C limit.
3. Refreshment Systems’ Carbon Zero Journey: On this page, Refreshment Systems shares its journey towards becoming carbon neutral. The company has been working since 2008 to calculate and offset its corporate carbon footprint, choosing to support the Kenyan Energy Efficient Stove Project for its positive environmental and societal impact.
4. The UK’s Contribution to Stopping Global Warming by The Committee on Climate Change: This detailed report by the CCC explores how the UK can contribute to global efforts to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights key areas for action and proposes an adjusted 2050 target for the UK to achieve net-zero emissions.
5. Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public health by The Lancet: This Lancet paper discusses the intertwined nature of public health and climate change. It underscores the potential health benefits that can be derived from robust climate change mitigation and adaptation policies, many of which are in alignment with the overall objectives of the NHS.
Other NHS Compliance programmes: National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink
