Reducing environmental impact in GP practices

10-Point Green Plan for Primary Care

The NHS is responsible for around 4% of the national carbon footprint, and is the only health system to have committed to reaching net zero by 2045.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has developed a 10-Point Green Plan for Primary Care containing guidance on reducing environmental impact, with dedicated funding available to support its implementation. 

In 2024/25, 10 GP practices were successful in their applications for funding and trialled a wide range of initiatives designed to improve patient care, reduce carbon emissions and deliver cost efficiencies.

A report containing detailed case studies on these pilot projects has now been published, demonstrating the huge potential of small, practice-level changes to improve outcomes for patients, staff and the environment.