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Liverpool Heart and Chest – A Strong Start Towards Net Zero

Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading specialist centres for cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology, supported by a team of over 1,900 staff. With 9 operating theatres and a patient caseload that includes more than 13,000 inpatients, 70,000 outpatients, and 30,000 virtual appointments annually, the Trust runs like a small town,  with complex systems, high energy demands, and a vital public mission Where Do You Begin?

The Challenge –Where Do You Begin?

The NHS has committed to reaching Net Zero by 2040. For Trusts like Liverpool Heart and Chest, that means calculating emissions, building reduction plans, and finding efficiencies, all while delivering world-class care under increasing operational pressures.

This was the Trust’s first time formally calculating its carbon footprint. With such a large and diverse estate, the team needed help understanding where to begin and how to gather the right data to get an accurate picture of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. This included everything from anaesthetic gases and fuel for generators to the more typical electricity and heating data. 

“From my perspective this work is an invaluable resource to the Trust and to the wider system and would recommend a systematic roll out plus of course, work on phase two, the art of the possible and opportunities that we could look at to achieve the reduction targets. “ Jonathan Develing – Head of Strategic Partnerships at Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Trust

The Solution: Data Gathering and Carbon Reporting

To start their carbon journey, Liverpool Heart and Chest partnered with Carbon Neutral Group to drive the calculations and reporting as this would be a key area for them not only to start from but also build on going forwards. 

Our work included:

  • Stakeholder meetings to establish priorities and responsibilities
  • Clear guidance on data collection across departments
  • Project management to keep the work on track and coordinated
  • A carbon footprint report written in plain English, accessible to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Actionable recommendations on how and where to reduce emissions
  • Provide actionable recommendations for reductions. 

Early Results: Clarity, Confidence, and Early Wins

The report gave the Trust a detailed view of their emissions that were in scope.  This was the first time the Trust saw the challenge and the opportunity ahead of them.  

A key result was when we walked the team through the findings.  We could see where an immediate impact could be made to make a reduction in emissions from small changes from testing the diesel generators to the benefits the team have already benefited from, from changes they have made such as the move away from pollutant anaesthetic gases.  

Need a Clear Starting Point for Net Zero?

If your Trust or healthcare organisation is preparing a Carbon Reduction Plan or starting to assess emissions for the first time, we can help. Our team will guide you through the data, build an understandable report, and set you up with a practical plan for progress.

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