Powering a greener future: CLCH supports Net Zero Week 2026

CLCH is proud to support Net Zero Week 2026 (4–10 July) – the UK’s official national awareness week dedicated to tackling climate change. Supported by government and industry leaders, Net Zero Week brings together individuals, businesses and organisations from across the country to help accelerate the UK’s transition to a cleaner, low-carbon future.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our health and care system. It is not just an environmental issue; it directly affects the health and wellbeing of our communities. Without action, the climate crisis will continue to increase risks to physical and mental health, contribute to rising levels of illness and place additional pressure on health and care services.

That is why sustainability is central to the way we deliver care at CLCH. By taking responsibility for our environmental impact and empowering our teams, we are building a healthier future for our patients, communities and future generations.

What’s happening during Net Zero Week

This year’s programme includes:

• Free online conferences: Featuring expert speakers, panel discussions and keynote sessions exploring the latest developments in net zero and clean energy. Read more here.
• Net Zero in Parliament: High-level roundtable discussions bringing together policymakers, MPs and industry leaders to explore key issues, including affordable energy and the challenges around AI-ready data centres.

Turning ambition into action

We are taking action to reduce our environmental impact through our Green Plan 2024–26. We are working towards an ambitious target of achieving a 47% reduction in emissions within our direct control by 2028–2032. With the continued commitment of our Sustainability Team and estates partners, we are making significant progress towards this goal across London and Hertfordshire.

Here are some of the ways we are turning our sustainability ambitions into meaningful action:

• Greener estates: We continue to invest in sustainable infrastructure by expanding our network of solar-powered sites, securing £284,000 through the Great British Energy Local Power Plan and trialling innovative renewable energy at Langley House Health Centre.
• Supporting active travel: We are encouraging colleagues to choose healthier, lower-carbon ways to travel through walking and cycling challenges, helping to reduce emissions while promoting staff health and wellbeing.
• Engaging our workforce: Through initiatives such as the Sprout fitness app and wider staff engagement activities, we are empowering colleagues to support the delivery of our Green Plan.
• Embedding sustainability in clinical care: We are reducing the use of single-use items and supporting initiatives such as reusable tourniquets and the Gloves Off campaign to make our clinical services more sustainable.

Tom Wright, Director of Sustainability, said: “I am incredibly proud of the progress our teams are making to turn the ambitions set out in our Green Plan into real, measurable action. From securing £284,000 in funding to launching our first battery storage trial at Langley House, we are demonstrating that sustainable healthcare is not just an ambition for the future, but something we are delivering today.

“By empowering colleagues to take responsibility and embrace innovation, we are creating lasting benefits for our patients, our communities and the environment.”