South West London CCG Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21

Sustainability in South West London The Climate Change Act 2008 sets a legally binding framework to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate and adapt to climate change. At NHS South West London CCG, we are committed to the smart and efficient use of natural resources, to reduce both immediate and long term social, environmental and economic risks. We consider the impact on sustainability of our policies, decisions and actions: • In our commissioning of healthcare services – ensuring we support environmental and social sustainability in our processes and decisions. • As an organisation – taking actions to be a responsible organisation in respect of environmental and social sustainability. • In our relationship with our member practices – to promote sustainable development across all our member practices. Our contracts with providers set out requirements to ensure that they are compliant with NHS Sustainable Development policy and with the Climate Change Act. We seek to assure ourselves of their compliance annually. Being part of an Integrated Care System has further empowered us in delivering a more integrated approach to the provision and delivery of health and social care. As well as improving outcomes for patients, we anticipate a more joined up approach will have a beneficial effect on the delivery of a more environmentally sustainable local health system, through greater sharing of resources, including estate and infrastructure, that will lead to greater efficiencies over time. NHS net zero The government has committed to reaching net zero carbon by 2050. This means significantly reducing emissions as well as off-setting using carbon capture. The NHS accounts for 5% of the UK’s carbon footprint, equivalent to the whole carbon footprint of Cyprus. Many of the drivers of climate change are also the drivers of ill health and health inequalities 114 | NHS South West London Clinical Commissioning Group