Sustainability
We're committed to delivering sustainable healthcare, not just for today's patients but tomorrow’s too, by actively protecting the environment we all depend on and our planet.
Green Plan to 2028
Our Green Plan to 2028 sets out how we will protect the environment over the next 3 years, while continuing to provide the best possible care for our patients.
We are committed to incorporating sustainability into everything we do, which means treating our patients in the most environmentally friendly way. It also means transforming our green spaces, improving the air we all breathe, minimising waste and championing cleaner, greener ways of getting around.
As well as creating a healthier local environment, these measures will improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and visitors.
Green Travel Plan
In August 2023, we published our Green Travel Plan – a first for the Trust which sets us on a pathway to reduce our carbon emissions. The plan also aligns with our sustainability strategy 2021 to 2031, and delivering a net zero NHS.
Our plan includes our 7 key principles, key targets for each mode of travel, and it is split into sections including a comprehensive action plan. Some short term goals include carrying out an accessibility audit of all our hospital sites and producing a report recommending accessibility improvements for people walking and using mobility aids by 2024.
Clean Air Plan
In June 2023, Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital Foundation Trusts are jointly publishing our first ever Clean Air Plan. Our plan spans:
- 2 trusts
- 5 London boroughs
- 37,000 staff
- 4 million annual patient contacts
It defines the ways in which we will address air pollution, raise awareness of the issue and ultimately improve the health of our patients, staff and local communities.
We have identified 5 focus areas and 27 priority actions for 2023/24 that will help us reduce our own contribution to air pollution and raise awareness of the issue amongst our staff, patients and local communities.
Clean Air Plan video
Watch our Clean Air Plan video to find out what we are doing to tackle air pollution and how you can get involved.
Lorcan Woods: Hello, my name is Lorcan Woods. I'm the Chief Financial Officer here at King's College Hospital, I’m standing underneath our clear air monitoring.
Gordon Bain: Hi, I'm Gordon Bain, Essentia Executive Director of Quality Improvement at Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
I'm proud to work closely with the Sustainability team here at the Trust, with lead responsibility for delivering our ambitious sustainability agenda.
I'm delighted that we've published our first ever joint Clean Air Plan with King's College Hospital Trust.
Lorcan: There are 5 focus areas and 27 priority actions reflecting the importance of this.
Gordon: The Clean Air Plan spans 2 trusts, 5 London boroughs, over 39,000 staff and 4 million annual patient contacts.
Personally, I believe that everyone should have equitable access to clean air is absolute fundamental to leading a healthy, happy life.
I also care about clean air for our patients, visitors, staff, the wider community and our loved ones.
Lorcan: And we have a clear determination to help reduce the amount of air pollution and therefore to improve both the health and the health inequality of the people of south east London.
Gordon: We know as a health care provider that pollution can have a major long term detrimental effect on people's health.
Lorcan: So as a staff member, as one of the colleagues, as one of our Team Kings, I would like you to get involved in our Clean Air Action Group.
But you can also get involved in a wide range of other sustainability actions, including through medical gases, for example, or just generally conserving our use of energy around the Trust.
Gordon: If you are a member of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ family join the Clean Air Staff Network and read the plan on GTi - search for Sustainability.
Finally, why not pledge to reduce your own contribution to air pollution by leaving your car at home or avoid using a wood burner at home.
Thank you.
Contact us
For more information about our commitment to sustainability, email [email protected]
Last updated: December 2025