Small Changes, Big Impact: Everyday Innovations Helping the NHS Go Greener

Every day, NHS teams make thousands of decisions that keep patients safe and services running. Some of those decisions, like how we wash our hands or manage clinical waste, may feel like routine, but these small choices can meaningfully support sustainability, efficiency and improved use of resources.

At NHS Supply Chain, we’re working hand in hand with trusts and suppliers to identify practical opportunities that help reduce environmental impact without adding complexity to clinical practice.

Why These Changes Matter

The NHS has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2040 for direct emissions and 2045 for indirect. That’s a huge challenge, and it means looking at every part of the system, not just the big-ticket items. Simple switches, like choosing reusable solutions or more efficient hygiene products, can deliver measurable benefits without disrupting care.

Through our frameworks, trusts can access solutions that reduce waste, support resource efficiency and maintain safety and compliance.

Foam products may offer advantages such as:

• A pre‑lathered foam formulation supporting a more effective handwashing routine by providing better coverage across all hand surfaces and requiring less water to rinse off. This not only enhances hygiene performance but also delivers a clear sustainability benefit by reducing overall water consumption.
• Lower volumes of clinical waste require disposal.
• Reduced carbon impact across the product’s lifecycle when compared with single-use alternatives.
• Fewer deliveries and collections, supporting more efficient logistics.

These outcomes show how updating everyday equipment can help trusts progress towards sustainability targets while maintaining safety, compliance, and operational reliability.

*The product codes show the dispenser‑compatible foam handwash options currently available; other similar products may also be accessible through our frameworks.

Clinical waste management is another area where sustainability gains are possible.
Moving to reusable sharps containers has delivered:

• 37 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually compared to single-use alternatives.
• £40,000 annual cost savings in procurement and waste management.
• Reduced reliance on single-use plastics and fewer vehicle movements.
• Enhanced compliance through AI-powered waste segregation monitoring.

These improvements support NHS Net Zero goals and free up resources for patient care.

Both examples show how small changes can have a big impact. By working together, we can help trusts meet sustainability targets while improving efficiency and safety. NHS Supply Chain plays a key role in enabling these changes by providing access to solutions through established frameworks.

Next Steps

Explore sustainable solutions available through NHS Supply Chain frameworks and join us in driving NHS Net Zero.