International Short Programme 

The healthcare sector, particularly in the UK, is a significant contributor to carbon emissions due to energy-intensive operations, extensive use of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and substantial waste production. Effective carbon reduction strategies in this sector require a multifaceted approach that integrates clinical, operational, and sustainability considerations. Carbon reduction planning in healthcare is crucial for minimizing the environmental impact while ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services. A holistic approach, integrating energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, and education, can significantly reduce the sector's carbon footprint. The goal must be to create a healthcare system that is resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible, contributing positively to both public health and the planet.​​

Change management is the people side of business transformation for sustainability. Change simply does not happen by itself but must be cohesively and proactively managed. Change management integrates the transition of people, processes, and technology from the current “as-is” state to a continually unfolding future state. Change management deeply engages staff, supervisors, managers, and leadership across the organization at all levels, resulting in achieving organizational objectives and realising desired outcomes.​​

Climate change, driven primarily by the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), poses severe threats to the planet. Understanding these changes is essential for developing strategies to mitigate their impacts, such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and loss of biodiversity. Climate change poses significant risks to businesses, including physical risks from extreme weather events and transitional risks from shifting regulations and market demands. By understanding these risks, businesses can develop strategies to mitigate them and ensure long-term resilience.​

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of achieving net zero emissions and promoting sustainability. It covers the science of climate change, policy frameworks, carbon reduction strategies, and the role of individuals and organizations in driving sustainable practices. A carbon footprint helps organizations identify inefficiencies in their operations in addition to other social and environmental benefits. Governments worldwide including the UK are implementing stricter environmental regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms. Understanding carbon footprints enables businesses to comply with these regulations, avoiding fines and leveraging incentives for sustainable practices.​​

As a part of the NetZero Supplier Roadmap, new requirements will be introduced overseeing the provision of a carbon footprint for individual products supplied to the NHS. As part of this commitment, the NHS is working towards creating a sustainable supply chain, which includes requiring suppliers to provide Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Environmental Declarations for their products. With this context, NHS aims to work with suppliers and regulators to determine the scope and methodology. This initiative will help suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare products and services, ensuring that sustainability is embedded at every stage of the supply chain.​

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Sustainable leadership is important as businesses that respect sustainability are increasingly attracting top talent and customers. On the other hand, businesses that don’t take reasonable action to meet sustainability goals are falling behind. Therefore, organizations must build new modes of operation that support the interdependent systems of business, humanity, and the global environment by cultivating decision-makers who share the qualities of sustainable leaders. In a fast-paced 21st-century organisation and with a move towards more global sustainability, leaders need to be adept at navigating internal and external challenges, therefore a creative and entrepreneurial approach to leadership is essential to organisational agility and success. ​​​

For most organisations in the built environment, 80% of their spend is with the supply chain and procurement is a key player in this process. Subsequently, sustainable procurement is a critical part of supplier policies and strategies, which is often reflected in tendering processes. Many industries including NHS are already suffering the negative consequences of climate change. It is not hard to predict that environmental catastrophes will keep upsetting the world’s supply networks and obstruct access to food, healthcare, and energy if organizations do not employ sustainable procurement in their business operations. Embedding sustainability and support for climate emergency action in all purchasing decisions and working towards a net zero carbon supply chain are integral components of NHS's vision for the future.​​​