Sustainability
At the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH), we recognise that climate change is a health issue as well as an environmental one. It is already shaping demand for services, affecting our estate and infrastructure, and impacting the health of our patients and communities.
Our Green Plan (2025-2028) sets out how we will reduce our environmental impact and contribute to the NHS ambition to become the world’s first net zero health service. It brings together actions across our organisation - from clinical care and estates to travel, procurement and digital transformation.
The Plan reflects our role as a major local employer and anchor institution, and our responsibility to work with partners across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire to create a more sustainable and resilient health system.
Delivery will be supported through governance, reporting and collaboration across teams, with progress reviewed regularly.
Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding and storms. These risks have direct implications for health services, patients and staff.
The RUH, working in partnership with colleagues across the BSW Hospitals Group, has developed a Climate Change Adaptation Plan. This sets out how we will prepare for and respond to these risks, ensuring our services remain safe, resilient and reliable.
The Plan is informed by local climate projections and risk assessments and identifies priority actions to strengthen resilience across our sites and services over time.
This work complements our Green Plan and wider sustainability priorities.
BSW Hospitals Group Adaptation Plan Summary
Our Green Plan focuses on reducing our impact on the environment, while our Climate Change Adaptation Plan ensures we are prepared for the impacts of a changing climate.