Business Case

For every 1% reduction in energy consumption, at 2008 prices, it is estimated the NHS could save about £4 million every year. This means that many investments in adequate energy management are likely to be cost effective. Therefore, NHS organisations should take advantage of schemes which support investment in energy efficiency initiatives. For example, NHS Foundation Trusts can double any financial commitment made to energy efficiency by setting up a fund under Salix Finance.

The Business Case for embedding carbon reduction and sustainability into all NHS projects and services is also about creating a service that is resilient to future economic, social and environmental changes. This resilience and preparedness can both support and lead efficiency and cost savings.

NHS organisations can strengthen links and partnership working with universities, local authorities, charities and local business through LSPs, through economic forums and spatial planning frameworks, in order to play a more strategic role in developing a sustainable and resilient health economy.

Reducing the carbon impact of the NHS promotes the sustainability and resilience of the healthcare system by:

• helping the NHS to comply with forthcoming legislation and financial incentives
• keeping costs down by reducing the demand for, and increasing the efficiency of, energy use in the NHS
• increasing the resilience of the NHS against unpredictable energy supply and prices
• advertising the sustainability credentials of the NHS as a public sector exemplar
• helping to mitigate the negative health consequences of climate change.