MOMENTUM is building in NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s climate work, with new figures showing real gains in cutting emissions, expanding zero-emission travel and improving energy efficiency.
The organisation’s Annual Climate Emergency and Sustainability Report which was presented to the NHS Board today set out a year that saw a four per cent fall in total emissions, a sharp rise in electric fleet vehicles, no waste going to landfill, and improvements in building energy use.
Director of Public Health and Executive Lead for Climate Emergency and Sustainability Valerie White said: “Climate change represents a major threat to health and welfare, and we have a responsibility to act.
“This year’s report shows our actions are making a difference. We’re cutting emissions, improving efficiency and strengthening our resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.”
The report highlights that overall emissions fell by four per cent during the year, with clinical waste emissions continuing to decrease and no waste sent to landfill.
Travel remains one of the biggest contributors to the organisation’s footprint, but the move toward cleaner transport accelerated. The number of zero-tailpipe-emission fleet cars rose from 21% to 43%, helping drive a nine per cent drop in fleet emissions despite an increase in kilometres travelled.
Clinical practice changes delivered further progress.
Emissions from nitrous oxide and entonox have fallen by 58% since the baseline year, supported by equipment upgrades, improved monitoring and greener approaches in theatres.
Metered dose inhaler emissions also dropped by six per cent, aided by clinical reviews, staff training and communications supporting more sustainable prescribing.
Ms White observed that these reductions show the cumulative impact of practical action, and said: “Efforts are being made right across the system.
“With theatres reducing high-impact gases, clinical teams reviewing inhalers, and services across the organisation adopting more sustainable practices – it all adds up.
“It shows that sustainability and high-quality care can absolutely go hand in hand.”
Energy use across the estate continued to improve. Consumption fell by 1.8 per cent, supported by LED lighting projects, building fabric improvements and heating optimisation, including major work at Midpark Hospital in Dumfries.
The report also highlighted progress in climate adaptation, with work to strengthen drainage, roofing, heating and power systems, alongside ongoing assessments of flood risks and business continuity arrangements.
Looking ahead, the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Programme Board will now refresh its workplans and begin shaping the actions needed beyond 2026/27 to maintain momentum toward becoming a net-zero organisation by 2040.
Ms White said the organisation must continue to move forward with purpose.
She said: “We’re on the right path, but this is a long-term endeavour.
“Achieving net zero will require sustained focus, collaboration and investment – but the progress we’ve made this year shows what’s possible when we work together.”