NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has published the updated version of its ‘Medical and Industrial Gases (including cylinders and bulk liquid oxygen)’ framework agreement.

The new framework now includes a dedicated “Sustainable Solutions – Technology Products and Services” offer, which supports the commitment in the NHS Long Term Plan to cut the NHS carbon footprint attributed to anaesthetic gases including nitrous oxide, by 40 per cent.

A single bottle of desflurane has a carbon footprint equivalent to burning 440 kg of coal. Meanwhile up to 30 per cent of nitrous oxide in canisters is estimated to go unused.

The framework includes a range of technologies designed to reduce emissions, waste and cost, including: nitrous oxide destruction units that capture and break down waste gas preventing atmospheric release; 'one‑touch’ digital cylinders providing real‑time usage data to improve oxygen management and reduce unnecessary consumption and waste; and Analgesic Gas Mixing and Delivery Systems that deliver precise gas volumes with no wastage or environmental hazards, support recycling of captured agents, generate cost savings and strengthen gas stewardship across clinical settings.

William Mitten, Category Manager – Health, NHS SBS said: “The environmental case for action is clear. Capturing and destroying nitrous oxide could cut more than a third of NHS anaesthetic emissions.

“By embedding these solutions into the latest iteration of our framework agreement, organisations gain access to quality‑assured products and services that meet current regulatory standards, reduce risk and ensure safe use for customers and patients.

“A range of innovative associated products will also be available for approved organisations to consider throughout its lifetime.”