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NHS Asthma Inhalers Cut Carbon Footprint by 18%
30 May
Summary
- Oxford hospitals reduced inhaler emissions by 18% in one year.
- Switching to greener inhalers saved 300 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
- Care quality and patient choice remain priorities in the switch.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has reported an 18% decrease in carbon emissions linked to asthma treatments over the last year. This reduction, amounting to an estimated 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, stems from a strategic shift towards lower-carbon inhalers.
The trust implemented changes in prescribing patterns, enhanced staff awareness and training, and improved inhaler disposal guidelines. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of potent greenhouse gases used as propellants in traditional metered-dose inhalers. Dry powder inhalers, which do not rely on these propellants, offer a significantly lower environmental footprint.
OUH stressed that patient safety and choice are central to this initiative, with inhaler switches only occurring when deemed clinically safe and effective. Project lead Sarah Poole highlighted that this approach allows for the achievement of both high-quality patient care and environmental protection. Ensuring patients are confident in using their inhalers correctly is also a key focus, as proper technique supports better health outcomes and reduces the need for additional treatments, further lowering the environmental impact.
