The road to net zero: The role of independent providers

This November, world leaders are gathering once again for the latest COP31 conference in Turkey – the annual UN summit to tackle climate change. With 2026 set to be the hottest year on record, the importance of addressing this global crisis has been brought into sharp focus, with the fortnight-long event set to focus on the “implementation” of the world’s targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Closer to home, IHPN are also looking at how we can further support our members to reduce carbon emissions and progress on their journey to net zero.

As a sector which employs over 160,000 people and delivers care across almost 3,000 sites in the UK, independent healthcare providers have a key role to play in reducing its carbon footprint.

In 2021, independent healthcare providers came together to commit to achieving net zero emissions by 2035 and a net zero supply chain by 2045. Over the past five years, we have supported members by providing subject matter expertise, bringing them together with sustainability experts, and creating forums to share best practice. During this time, many of our members have made significant progress in reducing emissions through measures such as improved energy monitoring and analytics, renewable electricity procurement, and energy efficiency programmes.

And five years on from the launch of our industry-wide net zero commitment, we are now publishing a Roadmap to help providers turn long-term ambitions into practical action.

The roadmap sets out a series of milestones between now and 2045, helping providers build momentum towards the sector’s commitments:

>By 2027, organisations are encouraged to establish the foundations for action. This includes measuring and reporting emissions, identifying opportunities to improve energy performance, engaging suppliers on sustainability, and putting in place clear leadership and accountability for net zero.

>By 2030, the focus shifts towards delivering measurable reductions. Key milestones include achieving a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, increasing the use of renewable electricity, transitioning vehicle fleets to low- or zero-emission alternatives, and embedding sustainability considerations into procurement and supplier management.

>By 2035, providers should be on track to achieve the sector’s commitment of net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Milestones include operating predominantly zero-emission fleets, replacing fossil fuel heating where feasible, and achieving significant reductions in supply chain emissions.

>By 2040, the roadmap focuses on strengthening supply chain engagement, with the majority of procurement spend aligned to suppliers that have adopted net zero targets and can demonstrate progress against them.

>By 2045, the ambition is for the independent healthcare sector to achieve net zero across its supply chains, ensuring sustainability is embedded throughout the wider value chain.

Our approach reflects the reality that there is no single route to net zero. Independent healthcare providers vary considerably in size, services and starting point, and progress will not look the same across every organisation. Rather than prescribing a fixed approach, the roadmap provides a shared direction of travel and a framework for collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.

While the outcome of the COP31 conference, and what further action Government’s across the world will take, is unknown at this point, IHPN will be stepping up our work – supporting our members with through resources, opportunities to share learning, and engagement with stakeholders across the healthcare system as independent providers  progress on their de-carbonisation journey.