NHS Wales Emissions Surge 20% Despite Decarbonization Targets

As of November 2025, NHS Wales is facing a significant challenge in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. According to the latest data, total emissions from the healthcare system have risen by 20% since 2018-19, despite targets to decrease them by 16%.

The NHS has attributed this increase to its suppliers, and has vowed to work closely with outside firms "to minimize environmental impact". Interestingly, emissions from areas outside the supply chain, such as buildings and transport, have decreased by nearly a quarter over the same period, which the NHS has hailed as "significant progress".

However, the overall picture remains concerning. NHS Wales has a duty, under Welsh government criteria, to reach net zero by 2050. But a recent report by the Climate Change Committee found that Wales was falling behind on the actions needed to fight climate change.

In response, NHS Wales is now revitalizing its decarbonization plan to set out a "clear roadmap" to the stated target. One notable initiative has seen the intensive care unit at a major hospital in Cardiff cut plastic waste by two tonnes every year over the past five years. The hospital's Green ICU Team has also reduced the use of non-sterile plastic gloves by nearly half a million annually.

Despite these efforts, the NHS's total emissions continue to rise, with supply chain emissions increasing by 44% since 2018-19. The organization acknowledges that it has "a huge amount of purchasing power" and should be able to demand lower emissions from its suppliers, particularly when it comes to single-use items like plastic aprons.