More treatment in surgeries and at home will help cut NHS carbon footprint

The UK health department unveiled a radical package of measures this week designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the NHS. Currently, the service is responsible for more than 3% of all emissions in England.

The department’s strategy includes proposals to reduce meat and dairy products in hospital food, reuse more medical equipment, and bring health care closer to the home and general practice.

The report, launched on Tuesday, says that urgent action is needed to achieve the government’s 2015 target for the NHS of a 10% carbon reduction. The longer term target is an 80% cut by 2050.

The NHS currently emits …