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Driving towards net zero: Northumbria Healthcare celebrates two major sustainability milestones

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised nationally for its commitment to sustainability, securing two major achievements on its journey to net zero.

The trust has been named a finalist in the prestigious HSJ Awards 2025, Towards Net Zero category, which highlights organisations leading the way in embedding sustainability into healthcare. Alongside this, it has achieved the coveted ‘Green’ accreditation from Investors in the Environment (iiE) — the highest standard awarded by the national sustainability scheme.

These achievements follow the launch of the trust’s ‘Net Zero Northumbria’ action plan in early 2024, which sets out a clear roadmap to support the NHS’s ambition of becoming net zero by 2040.

To achieve Green accreditation, the trust submitted a detailed report showcasing the actions it has taken to cut carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency and embed sustainability across its operations with clear measurable reductions in environmental impact. Key highlights included:

• A decrease in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions linked to building energy, as a result of installing heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting and more across several sites.
• A robust waste management system in place and enhancements to resource efficiency through introducing schemes like the walking aid return and reuse scheme.
• The rollout of the Clean Air Hospital Framework and air quality monitoring project, in partnership with Public Health, taking a strategic approach to improving air quality on our sites.

Clare Winter, Head of Sustainability at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “We are delighted to have achieved both of these milestones. Over the last two years we have worked incredibly hard to embed sustainability practices across the trust, and this recognition is a testament to the collective effort of our colleagues and partners. Our journey towards net zero is well underway, but we know there is more to do.”

The trust’s progress is backed by significant investment, with more than £20 million allocated to decarbonisation projects at The Northumbria Hospital in Cramlington, Hexham General Hospital and Wansbeck General Hospital. The programme will replace outdated steam heating systems with modern, energy-efficient heat pumps — a major step towards cutting emissions. 

Damon Kent, Managing Director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM), added: “Being shortlisted for the HSJ Awards and securing the highest iiE accreditation demonstrates just how committed we are to reducing our environmental impact. These achievements reflect the dedication of all the teams involved, and we are proud to be playing our part in creating a more sustainable future for the communities we serve.”

Northumbria Healthcare will join other finalists at the HSJ Awards ceremony in London on Thursday 20 November 2025, where the winners will be announced.