Environmental Sustainability & Carbon Neutrality Framework Organisation: Reached LTD
Service Area: Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS)
Last Updated: August 2025 Review Due: August 2026 Policy Owner: Compliance Lead
Approved By: Registered Manager
1. Introduction
Reached LTD recognises the critical role of health and social care providers in addressing the climate emergency. As a responsible NEPTS provider, we are committed to delivering safe, reliable patient transport services that also reduce environmental harm. This framework outlines our strategy, operational policies, and actions to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve net zero emissions, in line with:
• NHS England’s Delivering a Net Zero Health Service (2020)
• Greener NHS Carbon Reduction Targets
• UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy (Build Back Greener)
• NHS Supplier Roadmap to Net Zero
2. Environmental Commitments
Reached LTD is committed to the following principles:
• Achieve carbon neutrality across all direct NEPTS operations by 2040, with interim targets set for 2025 and 2030
• Operate in compliance with local, regional, and national environmental legislation
• Reduce the environmental footprint of our fleet, facilities, waste streams, and procurement
• Embed sustainability across our culture, staff training, and governance structures
• Actively support the NHS Carbon Footprint Plus approach, including patient transport emissions
3. Carbon Reduction Roadmap Carbon Neutrality Timeline
Milestone Target Status / Actions
2025 Baseline carbon footprint assessment completed
2026 Fleet emissions dashboard fully operational
2027 100% switch to renewable electricity at all Reached LTD properties
2030 50% of fleet converted to electric or ULEV vehicles
2040 Net Zero for scope 1 and 2 emissions (fleet, energy)
Scheduled for Q4 2025 using NHS carbon calculator tools
Under development with telematics integration
To begin with utility contract renewals from April 2026
Electric vehicle trials begin Q1 2026
Strategic transition plan to be updated annually
4. Environmental Sustainability Policies in Place
POL-ENV-001 – Environmental Sustainability & Green Fleet Policy
• Governs vehicle procurement, low-emission standards, and fuel efficiency protocols
• Requires vehicles to meet Euro 6/ULEZ standards or be electric
• Encourages journey consolidation and eco-routing
POL-WASTE-002 – Waste Management & Clinical Waste Policy
• Segregation of general, clinical, recyclable, and hazardous waste
• Aligns with HTM-07-01 and Environment Agency guidance
• Waste audits conducted annually and ad hoc post-incident
SOP-PROC-003 – Sustainable Procurement Procedure
• Applies weighted sustainability scoring in all supplier assessments
• Requires all new suppliers to meet minimum green standards (ISO 14001 preferred)
• Favouring local vendors to reduce freight miles
SOP-FLT-005 – Vehicle Emissions Monitoring & Maintenance SOP
• Weekly emissions tracking via fleet telematics
• Preventive maintenance ensures efficiency and reduces idling
• Telematics data reported monthly to the Fleet & Governance Team
5. Fleet Sustainability & Green Transport Actions Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy
• Current fleet: 100% Euro 6 diesel
• 2026–2030: Replace at least 1 diesel vehicle per year with EV/ULEV
• EV Infrastructure:
o Assessment of depot EV charging feasibility (Q4 2025)
o Portable battery and solar vehicle solutions under review for rural areas
• Driver Behaviour:
o All drivers receive eco-driving training by 2026
o Telematics used to monitor idling, harsh braking, route efficiency
o Fuel consumption reports reviewed quarterly
6. Waste Management
• Waste contractor must be licensed and audited annually
• Clear signage for in-vehicle and depot waste segregation
• Clinical waste stored and transported per CQC and HTM-07-01 requirements
• Staff receive annual IPC and waste management refresher training
7. Energy and Estate Use
• Energy audits to be completed by Q1 2026
• Smart metering across all offices and bases
• Phase-out of gas heating by 2030
• Use of low-energy LED lighting across estate
• 100% recycled printer paper and digital-first documentation policy in place
8. Governance and Oversight Environmental Monitoring & Reporting
Metric Frequency Owner
Fleet fuel usage / CO₂ emissions per mile Monthly Fleet Manager Waste segregation % (recyclable vs landfill) Quarterly Compliance Lead
Energy consumption per site Annually Estate & Facilities Officer Policy compliance audit (sustainability) Annually Governance Team
All findings feed into the Quality & Sustainability Dashboard, which is reviewed by the
Clinical Governance Committee and summarised in the Annual Environmental Sustainability Report.
9. Staff Engagement
• All staff are trained on their environmental responsibilities at induction and annually
• Monthly “Green Practice Bulletins” issued via email and displayed at stations
• Sustainability champions nominated at each depot (pilot 2026)
• Environmental performance tied into monthly governance bulletins and staff briefings
10. Alignment with NHS and Regulatory Frameworks
Reached LTD’s sustainability planning is aligned with:
• NHS England’s Greener NHS Strategy
• NHS Carbon Footprint Plus Model
• Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012
• NHS Supplier Roadmap to Net Zero (Tier 1 compliance by 2030)
• CQC Regulation 15 – Premises and Equipment (Environment & Safety)
11. Continuous Improvement & Review
• Environmental strategy is reviewed annually alongside governance and clinical policies
• Feedback is collected via internal audits, staff forums, and incident debriefs
• Reached LTD will pursue ISO 14001 certification by 2027
• Carbon reduction roadmap is updated every 12 months or after significant service change
12. Summary of Key Targets
Target By When Status
Baseline Carbon Footprint Assessment Q4 2025 Scheduled
EV Fleet Transition Begins Q1 2026 Pending
100% Renewable Energy Use 2027 In progress
50% Waste Recycled 2026 Partial implementation
Carbon Neutral Fleet 2024 Long-term goal