Net Zero and Sustainability

Approved by: Chief Operating Officer and Registered Manager
Date of Approval: 03/12/2025
Review Date: 03/12/2026

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out Kingsford Medical Services commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions and embedding sustainability across all aspects of our operations. As a private healthcare provider operating within the UK health system, we recognise our responsibility to reduce environmental impact while delivering safe, effective and high quality services.

This policy supports national ambitions for a greener health sector and provides a framework for systematic carbon reduction, resource efficiency and sustainable practice.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, suppliers, partners and visitors engaged in activities related to Kingsford Medical Services. It covers all clinical and non clinical services, facilities, procurement activity and organisational decision making.

3. Policy Statement

Kingsford Medical Services is committed to:

• Achieving net zero direct emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by 2040 or earlier.

• Achieving net zero indirect emissions (Scope 3) by 2045 or earlier.

• Minimising waste, improving resource efficiency and adopting sustainable operational practices.

• Working collaboratively with staff, patients, suppliers and partners to support environmental responsibility across the healthcare sector.

We will adopt evidence-based methods and prioritise actions that deliver measurable carbon reduction without compromising patient care.

4. Responsibilities

Senior Leadership Team

Responsible for strategic oversight, policy approval, governance and ensuring adequate resources are in place to achieve sustainability objectives.

Sustainability Lead

The Chief Operating Officer acts as the Sustainability Lead with responsibility for:

• Developing annual sustainability objectives

• Monitoring carbon reduction progress

• Coordinating actions across departments

• Engaging suppliers and partners

• Ensuring compliance with statutory and sector guidance

Staff

All staff are responsible for following sustainable practices, reporting environmental concerns and contributing to reducing waste and energy use within their areas of work.

Suppliers and Partners

Suppliers must comply with environmental regulations and demonstrate commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Sustainability criteria will be embedded into procurement processes.

5. Key Areas of Focus

5.1 Energy and Carbon Reduction

Kingsford Medical Services will:

• Use energy-efficient technologies for lighting, heating and ventilation within clinical and office areas.

• Monitor energy use and identify opportunities to reduce consumption.

• Transition to renewable energy sources where available.

• Implement energy-saving behaviours across all staff teams.

5.2 Sustainable Procurement

We will:

• Prioritise suppliers with demonstrable environmental credentials.

• Reduce single-use plastics wherever safe and practical.

• Source local products and services where possible to reduce transport emissions.

• Incorporate carbon considerations into procurement decisions.

5.3 Waste Management

We are committed to:

• Segregating clinical, recyclable and general waste effectively.

• Working with licensed waste providers who follow sustainable waste disposal processes.

• Reducing unnecessary consumption through digital-first approaches and reuse where appropriate.

5.4 Travel and Transport

We will:

• Promote virtual consultations where clinically appropriate to reduce patient travel.

• Encourage active travel and public transport for staff commuting.

• Reduce the need for business travel and promote remote meetings.

• Assess fleet and logistical emissions as part of Scope 3 reporting.

5.5 Water Usage

We will adopt measures to reduce excess water consumption, including low-flow fixtures and regular maintenance of plumbing systems.

5.6 Digital Transformation

We will continue to implement digital alternatives to paper-based systems, reducing printing, storage and waste while increasing operational efficiency.

5.7 Building and Estates

Where refurbishment or development takes place, we will:

• Integrate sustainable materials and technologies

• Ensure contractors follow environmental standards

• Consider lifecycle environmental impact in design choices

6. Carbon Measurement and Reporting

Kingsford Medical Services will establish a baseline carbon footprint and update this annually. This will include Scope 1, Scope 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions.

We will publish an annual sustainability update summarising:

• Carbon emissions

• Progress against net zero milestones

• Key sustainability achievements

• Planned actions for the following year

7. Training and Awareness

All staff will receive sustainability awareness training as part of induction and ongoing development. Training will cover:

• Environmental responsibilities

• Energy saving behaviours

• Waste segregation

• Sustainable clinical practice where relevant

We will also promote regular communication on sustainability initiatives.

8. Governance and Compliance

Kingsford Medical Services will comply with relevant environmental legislation and regulatory requirements. Governance oversight will be maintained through internal audit, risk management processes and periodic policy review.

Environmental risks will be included within the organisational risk register.

9. Continuous Improvement

We are committed to ongoing improvement and will:

• Set annual objectives and measurable targets

• Review performance regularly

• Engage staff in environmental improvement initiatives

• Apply innovation and sector best practice

10. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are changes in legislation, regulatory guidance or organisational structure.