Ahead of the COP26 UN Climate Change conference in Glasgow, IHPN have launched a new industry-wide pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2035 and a net zero supply chain by 2045.

So far over 40 organisations, who deliver care in over 1500 sites, have now signed up to the pledge, with many more expected to in the coming months.

As a sector which employs over 160,000 people and delivers care for millions of people every year, this commitment from independent healthcare providers builds on the NHS’ own target to achieve net zero by 2040.

To help support independent providers achieve this pan-industry climate change commitment, IHPN will continue to bring members together through its Climate Change group to share knowledge and best practice on how to reduce emissions across their organisations, coordinating practical ways of reaching net zero across the industry.

Lord Patel of Bradford, Chair of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said: 

“Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest long-term threat to the health of our nation and indeed the world. It is therefore vital that healthcare providers not only treat the problems caused by pollution and climate change, but also play their part in tackling the root causes.

“As a sector which delivers care to millions of patients every year, I’m thrilled that independent providers are uniting to help tackle climate change and their commitment to achieve net zero by 2035 will make an important contribution in responding to this global emergency.”

David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said: 

“With growing evidence of the health impacts of climate change and air pollution, it is vital that all parts of society play their part in tackling this global emergency.

“Ahead of the UK hosting the COP26 Climate Change Conference next month, I’m  delighted that IHPN could play our role on this important agenda and bring together independent providers from across the country to commit to net zero by 2035.

“The independent health sector has rightly set an ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2035 and in the coming months and years IHPN will continue to support our members and share best practice – helping to play our part in making the UK a world leader in tackling climate change.”

Dr Nick Watts, NHS Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“‘It’s fantastic to see independent healthcare providers aligning with the Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and the NHS target to be net zero carbon by 2045.  As COP26 approaches we need to demonstrate that collective action and commitment will help to deliver net zero.”

A full list of signatories can be found below: