Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust has cut its total 2010-11 emissions by 3,287 tonnes, or 39 per cent, thanks to a ground-breaking sustainability programme.

The trusts’ Care Without Carbon initiative saved the organisation the equivalent of 252 people’s annual carbon emissions by spending just £1.8 million. As a result, Sussex’s largest provider of NHS community services has saved £10 million in ten years - the equivalent of employing another 390 nurses.

Carbon released by SCFT’s 70-building estate, which includes 11 community hospitals, 52 health centres and seven offices, was reduced by 42 per cent by, for example, buying 100 per cent renewable energy and using computer software to control essential equipment like ventilation and heating.

Emissions from the trust’s fleet of vehicles is now at a historic low thanks to the use of low-emission vehicles and electric bikes, while a successful engagement campaign has encouraged staff to walk, cycle or use public transport to travel to work.

Some 1,800 staff, or 38 per cent of the total, have also ‘Dared to Care’ by taking a small action of their choice to support well-being, environmental improvement and financial savings. Other initiatives have included trying to eliminate the use of high-volume single-use plastics and selling items no longer required by the Trust on Sussex Police’s eBay account, saving £3,800 in disposal costs and generating £3,600 in income in just four months.

Susie Vernon, Associate Director of Sustainability, said: “The team is now working on the next CWC strategy to take us to 2025. This will include a 51 per cent carbon reduction target as well as an ambition to meet net zero carbon by 2040. These are tough targets but we know that a healthy environment supports healthy people, and in meeting these challenging targets we are further supporting the long-term health of our communities.”