The Welsh Government has announced new plans to help NHS Wales reduce its emissions to make the health and care system more sustainable.
Non-supply-chain emissions have already been reduced by almost a quarter between 2018-19 and 2024.
However, overall NHS Wales emissions have increased over the same period. This is largely due to the supply chain.
The new NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan sets out a clear roadmap for the NHS to meet its climate ambitions and achieving the legal 2050 Net Zero target.
It will help NHS Wales organisations to increase energy efficiency and use of renewables; support more sustainable travel by staff and patients; work with suppliers to minimise environmental impact; deliver environmental sustainability; reduce waste; and work as sustainably as possible.
Cabinet secretary for health and social care Jeremy Miles said: "We are striving for a more sustainable health system, which will reduce its impact on the environment and provide wider benefits to public health.
"We all have a part to play in addressing the climate emergency. The NHS in Wales can play its part by taking simple steps, such as reducing waste, saving energy and working as sustainably as possible, while focusing on delivering high-quality care.
"Improving the sustainability and environmental impact of NHS Wales will help the public sector and Wales reduce our carbon footprint and achieve our Net Zero commitments by 2050."
Sustainability initiatives at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board are helping to support the twin aims of improving patient care, while also reducing financial and environmental waste.
The Green ICU Team recently won a Globally Responsible Wales Award in the NHS Welsh Sustainability Awards and its work has been featured in a practical guide designed to help Intensive Care Units (ICUs) reduce their carbon footprint.
This has reduced plastic waste in the ICU by around 2 tonnes per year, saving tens of thousands of pounds.
The 'Their Gloves Off' campaign is on target to save around £15,000 this year and a plastic saving of around 490,000 gloves (or approximately 30 gloves per patient per day) in critical care.
Jack Parry-Jones, a consultant in adult intensive care medicine and the former chair of the Green ICU Team said: We are trying to preserve a world – a Wales worth surviving for and living in. Our adopted mantra is people, planet and profit.
"People – excellent care for our patients, their relatives and our staff. Planet – a clean environment in Wales with preserved biodiversity. And profit – providing good value based and prudent healthcare."
