Introducing the CHKS Green Award for Healthcare

Introduction 

Recognising the growing importance of environmental sustainability, CHKS is proud to introduce the Green Award. This award recognises organisations demonstrating a visible commitment to reducing their environmental impact through sustainable practices, products and innovations. 

The Challenge: Creating A Sustainable Healthcare System

The National Health Service (NHS) plays a vital role in providing quality healthcare for millions of people in the UK, however, its operations also present a significant environmental challenge. As outlined in the 2023 NHS clinical waste strategy, NHS providers generate a staggering 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste annually. This alarming figure contributes to an estimated 4% of the nation's carbon emissions. 

While these methods have their place, they are not ideal solutions for a future focused on sustainability. 

Sustainable waste management is crucial for the NHS to meet its net-zero ambitions by 2040. On 1 July 2022, the Health and Care Act 2022 made the NHS the first health system globally to embed net zero into legislation. This signifies a monumental shift towards a more environmentally responsible healthcare system. 

66% of the NHS's carbon footprint stems from its supply chain, accounting for an estimated 66% of its overall emissions. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that tackles waste generation across the entire healthcare ecosystem. 

Jackie Rayner – Head of Quality and Development at CHKS 

“Delivering health care can be wasteful and a sustainable approach including reducing waste and the carbon footprint is at the forefront of future planning for health services. Waste is a key area that needs to be carefully managed for the NHS to meet its aim of becoming carbon net zero by 2040 for the emissions the NHS controls directly.” 

“The green award recognises organisations for their ambitions in creating environmentally friendly approaches to delivering care and encourages alternative and sustainable solutions in service delivery.” 

How Does the Green Award benefit Healthcare Organisations?  

The green award encourages organisations to develop environmental and economically sustainable solutions in delivering health and care services, not only providing efficiencies in service provision, but improving patient experience and reducing environmental impact.  

Sustainability Across All Areas 

Sustainable practices are integral to all aspects of an organisation. The CHKS Green Award criteria are embedded throughout our General Standards, covering key areas such as: 

Leadership & Management 

Quality & Governance 

Waste Management 

Information Management 

Patient Pathway 

Medicines Management 

Information for Patients 

Estates Management 

Catering & Housekeeping 

Achieving the CHKS Green Award

Twenty criteria within the 2024 CHKS General Standards have been designated with a "green tick." Compliance with the sustainable element of the criterion will contribute to the achievement of the CHKS Green Award, when all relevant green criteria are achieved. The guidance for each criterion includes a specific paragraph relating to the requirements to achieve compliance. 

The CHKS Green Award is an optional award which organisations may choose to embrace as part of their ongoing developmental journey. 

Interested in learning how the CHKS Green Award can support your sustainability journey? Reach out to our Quality Lead Auditors for more information: https://www.chks.co.uk/contact-us