Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan
Last Updated On: 1st April 2024
Effective Date: 1st April 2024
1. Our Commitment to Net Zero
Reducing carbon emissions is a strategic priority for Nouvita Healthcare. This Carbon Reduction Plan sets out our roadmap to net zero, detailing the actions we are taking and will take to measure, reduce and ultimately eliminate our carbon emissions across all scopes of reporting.
Nouvita is committed to achieving net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, and for Scope 3 emissions by 2045, in alignment with the NHS Net Zero Carbon target and the obligations placed on NHS suppliers. In the near term, we are targeting a 50% reduction in combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions against our 2023 baseline by 2030, and to source greater than 50% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025.
Whilst Nouvita does not currently meet the threshold for mandatory reporting under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) or Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) regulations, we have developed a comprehensive, transparent plan to minimise our environmental impact and hold ourselves accountable to our targets.
2. Understanding our emissions
Nouvita measures and reports carbon emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, across three scopes:
- Scope 1 – Direct emissions:
Greenhouse gas emissions from sources directly owned or controlled by Nouvita, including fuel combustion in boilers, furnaces and vehicles.
- Scope 2 – Indirect emissions (energy):
Indirect emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, heat or cooling. These are accounted for by Nouvita as a result of our energy consumption.
- Scope 3 – Value chain emissions:
All other indirect emissions in our upstream and downstream value chain, including transportation, waste, employee commuting, business travel, and supply chain emissions. Scope 3 data collection is underway, with full baseline reporting to commence in 2025.
3. Baseline and current emissions
Nouvita has measured Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2021. The baseline year for this Carbon Reduction Plan is 2023. The data below relates to Baldock Manor Hospital, our principal regulated facility, with equivalent monitoring being extended across all services. Scope 3 baseline data collection is in progress and will be incorporated from 2025 onwards.
69.236.3
| Emission Category | Baseline 2023 (tCO2e) | Current (2024) (tCO2e) | Target 2030 (tCO2e) |
| Scope 1 – Direct emissions | 72.5 | ||
| Scope 2 – Indirect (energy) | 18.3 | 18.2 | 7.2 |
| Scope 3 – Value chain | TBC | TBC | Baseline by 2025 |
| TOTAL (Scope 1 & 2) | 90.8 | 87.4 | 43.5 |
Against the 2023 baseline, Nouvita has achieved a reduction of 3.4 tCO2e in combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2024 – a 3.7% reduction – through the initiatives described in Section 5. We remain on track toward our 2030 target of 43.5 tCO2e.
4. Emissions Reduction Targets
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Our Targets at a Glance
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Full Scope 3 baseline established by 2025
5. Carbon Reduction Initiatives
The following initiatives have been completed, are underway, or are planned. Completed measures have collectively achieved a reduction of 3.8 tCO2e (5%) against the 2023 baseline, with savings recorded in 2024.
- 5.1 Energy Efficiency
Nouvita has completed a full refurbishment of our head office and Baldock Manor Hospital, incorporating a comprehensive upgrade to LED lighting throughout both facilities. Motion-activated PIR sensor lighting has been installed wherever practicable across our offices, including laundries, outbuildings and storerooms. We estimate these measures will reduce energy consumption by more than 20%. Improved insulation and replacement of older glazed windows have further reduced heat loss across our estate. All new construction and renovation projects are designed to optimise energy efficiency and use of natural light.Nouvita currently procures renewable energy across all of its sites, directly reducing Scope 2 emissions from grid electricity consumption and supporting the transition away from fossil fuel-derived power. We are further exploring the installation of on-site renewable generation — including rooftop solar panels — to supplement purchased renewable electricity and reduce overall energy costs. - 5.2 Sustainable Transportation
Nouvita actively promotes sustainable commuting alternatives across the organisation. We operate a Cycle to Work scheme, enabling staff to purchase bicycles and equipment tax-efficiently, encouraging cycling as a low-carbon commuting option. At one of our services, we have reimbursed staff for public transport commuting costs for several years, and we encourage car-sharing across all sites. The adoption of remote and hybrid working for appropriate roles has meaningfully reduced business travel and commuting-related emissions. In January 2024, we installed electric vehicle charging points at our head office, and are exploring an employee EV salary sacrifice scheme as part of our benefits package. - 5.3 Sustainable Procurement
Our procurement policy was updated in 2022 to prioritise suppliers demonstrating strong environmental practices. Suppliers are assessed on their carbon reduction commitments, use of sustainable materials, and overall environmental impact. We aim to source products and services locally wherever possible to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy — for example, fresh produce is sourced from local growers.In 2019, Nouvita partnered with Cool Earth (coolearth.org), an organisation that tackles the root causes of deforestation and protects vital carbon sinks. From 2024, we are introducing a policy to procure products with lower embedded carbon, including medical supplies, furniture and equipment made from sustainable materials, shifting away from pure cost-based procurement decisions. - 5.4 Waste Reduction and Digital Transition
Nouvita is implementing a comprehensive recycling programme across its services, covering paper, plastics, non-hazardous medical waste and organic waste. Staff are trained in waste segregation, and we work with a waste provider committed to a zero-to-landfill approach.The introduction of Nourish, our electronic patient record system, in 2018 has substantially reduced our paper consumption across all services. We monitor printing volumes across teams to drive continued reduction. We are also exploring measures to extend the working life of IT hardware and ensure responsible end-of-life disposal, recognising the carbon cost of manufacturing electronic devices.In 2020, Nouvita introduced Apetito as our catering provider. In addition to operational efficiencies, Apetito has signed the NHS Plastics Pledge and is committed to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. They are actively working with UK and Irish farms to reduce the carbon footprint of key ingredients. Nouvita has supported this by reducing red meat menu options and introducing alternative protein choices — a change that has also reduced weekly food waste, particularly on our female wards.
- 5.5 Supply Chain Engagement
Since 2022, Nouvita has actively engaged with suppliers to reduce waste and emissions across our supply chain. We identify and work with suppliers focused on producing greener products and are progressively embedding environmental criteria into supplier selection and review processes. - 5.6 Green Champions
Nouvita has established a network of Green Champions within its services. These individuals promote sustainability initiatives, encourage environmentally responsible practices among colleagues, and help embed a culture of environmental awareness across the organisation.
6. Future Commitments
In order to continue our progress towards achieving Net Zero, Nouvita is committed to the following carbon reduction targets:
- Reduce emissions associated with travel by 50% by 2028, building on remote working policies, public transport incentives, and the transition to electric vehicles already underway.
- Set a minimum EPC rating of C across all buildings through acquisition criteria, refurbishments, and ongoing energy efficiency improvements — ensuring our estate meets a consistent environmental standard.
- Reduce paper consumption by 60% by 2026, continuing the digital transition underway across all services and extending our EPR and paperless working practices organisation-wide.
- Increase the percentage of recycled waste across all offices whilst reducing total emissions associated with waste by 50% by 2027, supported by our zero-to-landfill commitment and staff training on waste segregation.
- Transition all sanitary and nappy products used across our services to fully environmentally friendly alternatives by 2027, eliminating single-use plastics and high-carbon materials in this category entirely.
- Eliminate single-use plastic wherever possible across all services, working in partnership with our suppliers — including our catering contractor Apetito, who has committed to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 — to drive reduction throughout our supply chain.
- Establish a full Scope 3 emissions baseline by 2025, enabling meaningful reduction targets across our value chain.
- Transition the organisation’s vehicle fleet to electric and hybrid models as vehicles are replaced, building on EV charging infrastructure already installed at head office.
7. Declaration and Sign-Off
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This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and the associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans. Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the GHG Reporting Protocol Corporate Standard and the relevant Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting. Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements. Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard. This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the Board of Directors of Nouvita Healthcare Limited. |
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Signed: Name: Position:
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On behalf of: Nouvita Healthcare Limited 1st April 2024 |