Carbon Reduction Plan

1. Executive Summary

The Alton Practice is committed to supporting the NHS’s ambition of becoming the world’s first net zero national health service. As a GP surgery operating in South West London, we recognise our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide high-quality, accessible patient care. This Carbon Reduction Plan sets out our current carbon emissions profile, targets for reduction, and the measures we will undertake to meet both NHS and UK Government climate objectives.

2. Organisational Overview

The Alton Practice is a primary care NHS provider situated in Roehampton, South West London. The practice serves a diverse patient population and operates from premises located within the Alton Estate. The team consists of general practitioners, nurses, healthcare assistants, administrative staff, and practice management personnel. Services offered include face-to-face consultations, home visits, health screenings, immunisations, and chronic disease management.

As a publicly funded health service provider, we are aligned with NHS England’s Long Term Plan and the Greener NHS programme, which sets out a pathway to reach net zero carbon emissions for NHS activities.

3. Baseline Carbon Emissions

We have used 2023 as our baseline year, drawing on data from utility bills, travel surveys, procurement records, and waste disposal reports. Our carbon footprint has been categorised using the GHG Protocol into Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.

Scope Emissions Source

• Scope 1 Gas heating, use of any onsite fuel
• Scope 2 Purchased electricity (from the national grid)
• Scope 3 Staff commuting, patient travel, waste, medical supplies

4. Carbon Reduction Targets

To contribute to NHS targets and meet our local sustainability responsibilities, we have set the following interim carbon reduction milestones:

• By 2026: 10% reduction from 2023 levels
• By 2030: 30% reduction
• By 2035: 50% reduction
• By 2040: 75% reduction
• By 2045: Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2
• By 2050: Net Zero including Scope 3

Our targets will be reviewed annually in line with NHS and Integrated Care System (ICS) guidance.

5. Carbon Reduction Measures

• 5.1 Building Energy Efficiency
  We aim to improve the energy performance of our premises through a combination of operational and structural changes. These include optimising heating controls, installing low-energy LED lighting across the building, and reducing standby energy consumption by switching off unused equipment. In 2026, we will explore the feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic panels and improved insulation.
• 5.2 Sustainable Transport
  Travel to and from the surgery accounts for a significant proportion of our indirect emissions. We are promoting sustainable travel among staff through cycle-to-work schemes, secure cycle storage, and encouraging the use of public transport. Where clinically appropriate, we will continue offering remote consultations, which can help reduce patient travel-related emissions. We will also review the potential for transitioning any practice vehicles to electric models before 2030.
• 5.3 Waste Reduction and Recycling
  We have implemented recycling schemes for paper, cardboard, plastics, and toner cartridges. We are working with our clinical waste providers to ensure waste is managed responsibly and segregated effectively. Single-use plastics are being phased out where clinically safe alternatives are available, particularly in administrative and non-clinical settings.
• 5.4 Sustainable Procurement
  As part of the NHS supply chain, we are taking steps to procure environmentally responsible goods and services. This includes choosing local suppliers when possible, prioritising reusable or recyclable products, and engaging with medical suppliers to review the carbon impact of equipment and consumables. We will align future procurement decisions with NHS England’s Net Zero Supplier Roadmap.
• 5.5 Digital and Paperless Practice
  We are transitioning towards a paperless administration system, reducing the need for printed materials through the use of digital patient records, secure messaging, and electronic prescription services. All new IT equipment purchases will consider energy efficiency ratings and longevity of use.
• 5.6 Culture and Staff Engagement
  Sustainability is embedded in our workplace culture through regular staff communications, training sessions, and the formation of a “Green Practice Group”. This team is responsible for identifying, monitoring, and promoting environmental initiatives within the practice. Staff are encouraged to share ideas and take ownership of local carbon reduction activities.

6. Monitoring and Reporting

Progress will be monitored via annual reviews of our carbon footprint using standardised NHS tools such as the Green Plan Tracker and the Carbon Footprint Plus Calculator. Updates will be shared with South West London ICS, and highlights of our efforts will be included in our annual practice report. We aim to complete the NHS Green Plan template and update it every three years, or sooner if required.

7.Governance

Responsibility for implementing and reviewing this plan lies with the Practice Manager and the designated Sustainability Lead. Progress will be discussed at quarterly team meetings and reviewed annually by the Partners.

8. Declaration

We confirm that this Carbon Reduction Plan is accurate, up to date, and aligned with NHS Net Zero commitments.

Signed: Dr Farwa Hasan
Role: General Practitioner
Date: 01 April 2025