Our Green Plan
Addressing environmental issues and acknowledging the climate and ecological emergency has become an area of urgent focus. In 2020 our shareholder declared a Climate Emergency and has followed this up with a Green Plan which sets out a series of ambitions aimed at reducing the impact of the
Group’s activities on the environment.
In our Green Plan we have committed to:
- Reduce our carbon emissions
- Raise awareness among our staff of the impact of climate change
- Make the most of our green spaces
- Minimise waste and efficiency
- Consider the environmental impact of any decisions we make
As part of our the delivery of our Green Plan here are some of the changes we have made so far:-
- Piloting the use of full electric and plug-in hybrid vans in the Estates Team.
- Offering a home EV charge point as part of the lease car scheme to encourage the switch to low carbon vehicles.
- Installing additional EV charge points at our sites.
- Swapping plastic straws, cutlery and coffee cups in cafes for eco-friendly alternatives.
- Promoting “bring your own container” for takeout food and hot drinks in cafes.
- Rolling out a mixed recycling scheme to community sites as well as main hospital sites.
- Managing the Warpit surplus equipment reuse system which has saved over £250,000 in 4 years.
- Purchased 100% green electricity.
- Retro-fitting low carbon heat pumps at Monkwearmouth Hospital as part of heating system upgrade.
- Planting 1,000 trees in April 2021 as part of the NHS Forest project.
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Our Carbon Reduction Plan
Supplier name: NTW Solutions Ltd
Publication date: 15th November 2024
Commitment to achieving Net Zero
NTW Solutions is committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions in line with the national NHS net zero targets, as set out in the ‘Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service’. This means for the emissions we control directly (our Carbon Footprint) our commitment is to be net zero by 2040, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2028 to 2032. For the emissions we can influence (our Carbon Footprint Plus), our target is net zero by 2045, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2036 to 2039.
Baseline Emmissions Footprint
Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured.
Baseline Year: 2019/20 | |
Additional Details relating to the Baseline Emissions calculations. | |
1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020 is our baseline year. This includes data for scope 1 emissions from energy (293 tCO2) and travel (16 tCO2e) sources, and scope 2 emission from energy (132 tCO2e). Ongoing progress to develop data collection processes to monitor our scope 3 emission sources is being undertaken and will be reported in annual updates of this plan as data sets become available, adjusting our baseline (where possible) to enable a meaningful comparison between the reporting year and the baseline. For the baseline year, scope 3 data is only currently available for waste (1.2 tCO2e) and grey fleet travel emissions (16.6 tCO2e). | |
Baseline year emissions: | |
Emissions | Total (tCO2e) |
Scope 1 | 309 |
Scope 2 | 132 |
Scope 3 (Included Sources) | 18 |
Total Emissions | 459 |
Reasons for change in emissions
Fuel used in company vehicles on business use calculated from distance travelled (miles) has increased from the previous year due to a small increase in overall miles travelled. However, a reduction in the emission values of the vehicles and the continual progression to a move away from conventional ICE vehicles has led to a decrease in Scope 1 carbon emissions.
Gas consumption apportioned to NTW Solutions has reduced by 8.6%, reducing these direct emissions by 21 tCO2e. There has also been a 5.2% reduction in electricity use. However, scope 2 carbon emissions have increased by 2 tCO2e due to a 7% increase in the carbon conversion factor for UK generated electricity (from 0.193 to 0.207 KgCO2e/kWh).
Quantification and Reporting Methodology
We have followed the 2019 UK Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines and have used 2023 UK Government’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Conversion Factors. We have not yet calculated Scope 3 emissions.
The following activities were considered in the calculation of the Company’s total energy consumption:
- Gas consumption
- Oil consumption
- Purchased electricity consumption
- Fuel used in Company vehicles on business use
- Fuel used in fleet vehicles which you operate on business use
- Fuel used in personal/hire cars on business use
Energy methodology – all fuel in the form of natural gas used for combustion in the operation of facilities is supplied on a pass-through basis to the parent organisation. Energy use attributable to NTW Solutions has been estimated based on space occupied by the company as a proportion of the larger CNTW estate. Purchased electricity is also supplied on a pass-through basis to the parent organisation and electricity attributable to NTW Solutions has also been estimated based on relative space occupied.
NTW Solutions has a contract to provide operated healthcare facilities to the NHS and the provision of energy is included within this supply. The energy costs are managed as a pass-through cost as part of the contract. The direct energy costs for NTW Solutions to provide its services are included in the contract also as a direct overhead cost relating to the provision of on-site services, for example on site estates management and maintenance costs or cafes for the provision of meals to patients and staff.
Transport methodology – fuel used in Company vehicles was compiled from fuel card records in the form of miles travelled which was then converted to tonnes CO2e. Fuel used in leased fleet vehicles and in personal vehicles on business use was compiled from business mileage claim records in the form of miles claimed. This was then converted to tonnes CO2e.
The Company’s chosen intensity ratio is tonnes CO2e per whole time equivalent (WTE) staff. Staff numbers for 2023/24 were 669 WTE.
Organisational Boundry
We have used the financial control approach. NTW Solutions Limited has a contractual agreement with the parent organisation the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust to provide a utilities management service for the Trust.
Current Emmissions Reporting
Reporting Year: 2023/24 | |
Additional Details relating to the Reporting Year Emissions calculations. | |
1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 is our current reporting year. This includes data for scope 1 emissions from energy (231 tCO2) and travel (133 tCO2e) sources, and scope 2 emission from energy (108 tCO2e). Ongoing progress to develop data collection processes to monitor our scope 3 emission sources is being undertaken and will be reported in annual updates of this plan as data sets become available. | |
Emissions | Total (tCO2e) |
Scope 1 | 364 |
Scope 2 | 108 |
Scope 3 (Included Sources) | |
Total Emissions | 472 |
Operational Scopes
We have calculated our Scope 1 and 2 emissions for the current reporting year. We have not yet calculated Scope 3 emissions.
Scope 1 | ||||
Emissions from activities for which the company is responsible including combustion of fuel & operation of facilities (Scope 1) / tCO2e | ||||
Previous reporting year 22/23 | Current reporting year 23/24 | |||
Measured units | tonnes CO2e | Measured units | tonnes CO2e | |
Gas consumption (kWh) | 1,378,957 | 252 | 1,260,502 | 231 |
Oil consumption (kWh) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fuel used in company vehicles on business use calculated from distance travelled (miles) | 419,422 | 108 | 406,308 | 105 |
Fuel used in leased fleet vehicles on business use calculated from distance travelled (miles) | 80,498 | 5 | 86,879 | 3 |
Fuel used in personal/hire cars on business use calculated from distance travelled (miles) | 84,857 | 27 | 100,977 | 25 |
Total Scope 1 | 392 | 364 | ||
Scope 2 | ||||
Emissions from purchase of electricity, heat, steam, and cooling purchased for own use (Scope 2) / tCO2e | ||||
Previous reporting year 22/23 | Current reporting year 23/24 | |||
Measured units | Tonnes CO2e | Measured units | Tonnes CO2e | |
Purchased electricity (kWh) | 550,302 | 106 | 521,493 | 108 |
Total Scope 2 | 106 | 108 | ||
Total Scope 1 and 2 | 498 |
| 472 | |
Intensity measurement | Tonnes CO2e/WTE | Tonnes CO2e/WTE | ||
Company’s chosen intensity measurement Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in tonnes CO2e per WTE staff | 0.838 (594 WTE) | 0.706 (669 WTE) | ||
NTW Solutions Ltd is undertaking further work to developing monitoring capacity and targets specifically attributable to our company boundary in addition to the above and will disclose these in future Carbon Reduction Plans.
Emissions reduction targets
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, our company emissions reductions targets align with national net zero carbon targets and the interim targets committed to in the joint CNTW/NTWS Green Plan.
Progress against our Carbon Footprint targets is shown in the graph and table below (combined data for NTWS and CNTW). Since the baseline year 2019/20, Carbon Footprint emissions have reduced by 837 tCO2e (7%).
NTW Solutions Ltd is undertaking further work to developing monitoring capacity and targets specifically attributable to our company boundary in addition to the above and will disclose these in future Carbon Reduction Plans.
Scope 1
For company vehicles, mileage continues to reduce due to fewer vehicles in use and less need to travel. The carbon reduction has reduced at a higher rate due to the continued conversion to electric vehicles.
For leased fleet vehicles, the trend of increased mileage has continued due to the additional travel to provide services in the Cumbria locality, but vehicles are being replaced with newer and more environmentally friendly options and the carbon is reducing as a result
For personal cars, the data is showing a moving away from lease cars, which is leading to an increase in business mileage in this area, but again the vehicles used are being replaced with newer models and as a result carbon emissions are reducing. We also have improved data capture do information is now more accurate.
Gas use has reduced in 2023, due in part to milder weather and to changes in the estate, with buildings being closed and new developments opening. The best available data at the time of reporting has been used but does include some estimated consumption from supplier invoices.
Scope 2
Carbon emissions for energy are calculated by multiplying the annual usage by the carbon conversion factors published by the UK government. The UK electricity factor is prone to fluctuate from year to year as the fuel mix consumed in UK power stations and the proportion of net imported electricity changes. These conversion factors are revised annually. Between 2022 and 2023 the carbon intensity factor increased by 7%, due to an increase in coal use in electricity generation in response to gas price spikes.
Energy efficiency action
During this period the Company, on behalf of the parent organisation, has continued to develop decarbonisation plans and implement further energy efficiency projects. This included the delivery of a Sustainability Capital Programme which included several LED lighting schemes, the installation of additional electric vehicle charging points, the electrification of domestic hot water and decarbonisation feasibility studies. The company has continued to work closely with the parent organisation to develop a more robust sustainability governance structure and regularly communicate with staff about what the company is doing to tackle the climate emergency and supporting the organisation’s ambitions to be Net Zero carbon by 2040.
Carbon reduction targets
Completed Carbon Reduction Initiatives
The following environmental management measures and sustainability improvement projects have been implemented since the 2019/20 baseline. The carbon emission reduction achieved by these schemes equate to 837 tCO2e, a 7% reduction. The measures will be in effect when performing the contract.
- We launched our official Green Plan in 2020, setting clear targets and commitments to improve the sustainability of the Trust and our company, including setting our ambitions to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
- We are replacing older heating systems with air source heat pumps and continuing to upgrade buildings to LED motion sensor lighting.
- We have installed 56 new electric charging stations.
- Implemented a new printing system which has so far prevented more than 800,000 pages (around 65 trees’ worth) from being printed unnecessarily.
- Incentive scheme for staff to lease electric vehicles and install home chargers.
- Bike schemes open to all staff and increased mileage rates for business use.
- All energy purchased is 100% renewable.
- 53% of all company vehicles are electric or hybrid vehicles.
- Adopted more flexible working arrangements and rolled out technology to reduce the need for travel.
- Encouraged car sharing and the use of pool vehicles.
- Solar Panels have been installed on several buildings and plans to extend these continue to be implemented.
- Embarked on a tree-planting programme with the support of the NHS Forest scheme.
- Achieved a 70% reduction in single-use plastic in cafes.
- Increased recycling facilities.
As set out in our Company Strategy, we have committed to continue to implement further sustainability improvements in future, specifically:
Reducing our carbon emissions
- We will develop a travel and transport policy to support sustainable travel and transport options, including a review of the vehicles we use for carrying out company business and increase the number of electric vehicles in the fleet. This will include undertaking an annual travel survey to measure changes in the ways that staff travel to and from work and for work and develop strategies to reduce the reliance on car travel and encourage walking and cycle use.
- We will set targets that will aim to stop driving to attend meetings where alternatives such as TEAMS are available and appropriate to use.
- We will develop and implement an energy efficiency awareness campaign designed to deliver a 5% reduction in energy consumption across the CNTW Group.
- We will develop plans to reduce carbon emissions from the estate with a view to achieving net zero carbon.
Raise awareness among our staff of the impact of climate change
- We will develop and deliver awareness campaigns amongst our staff on environmental and sustainability issues so they can contribute meaningfully to the climate challenge in the workplace, at home and across society as a whole.
Make the most of our green spaces encouraging biodiversity and connection with nature
- We will work in partnership with ecology experts to develop an overarching Biodiversity Strategy that will help us to provide and manage greenspaces that promote biodiversity and encourage the use of outdoor space to assist in wellbeing.
- We will work with our customer to enhance the green spaces to encourage biodiversity and reduce harm to the environment associated with our activities.
Minimise waste and inefficiency as much as possible
- To reduce the use of single use plastics across the CNTW Group in line with the NHS Plastic Reduction Pledge and increase the provision of recycling bins across the organisation, implement TerraCycle schemes for various waste streams.
- To work with suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging materials and to increase recycling.
Ensure we consider the social and environmental impact of any decisions we make
- To review the existing business case process to add social and environmental considerations, ensuring guidance is available.
- To explore values-based procurement and identify opportunities to review the environmental and social impact of current supply chains.
Declaration and Sign Off
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.
Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard[1] and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting[2].
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard[3].
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).
[1]https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard
[2]https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-conversion-factors-for-company-reporting
Signed on behalf of the Supplier:
Managing Director
Date: 15th November 2024
If you would like this or any other information on our website in another format please email NTWSolutions@ntw.nhs.uk
