Facilities Management

Mop and other cleaning equipment Facilities management plays a key role in contributing to safe, high quality care delivered by the NHS. It also has a major role in making the NHS more sustainable.

Sustainable facilities management ensures that environmental impacts are minimised and local economies and communities are supported in the operation of the NHS estate.

This means:

Complying with environmental and other appropriate legislation
Making highly efficient use of resources such as energy, water, land and products
Minimising waste
Protecting green space and biodiversity
Supporting local communities and economies wherever possible

Benefits

Saving money that can be used to protect health – by longer term planning and by reducing energy use and waste

Reducing patient recovery times and improving health – by protecting and promoting green space and biodiversity

Meeting UK carbon reduction targets

Reducing health risks – by using fewer chemicals and toxic products

Enhancing reputation – with staff, patients, visitors and the wider community

Facts

The NHS is responsible for emitting more than 18 million tonnes of CO2 per year - 25% of total public sector emissions in England, and 3.2% of total carbon emissions in England.
22% of the NHS carbon footprint comes from energy use
NHS buildings consume over £410million worth of energy every year
In 2007-8, the NHS consumed an estimated 38.8 million cubic metres of water and paid £71.2 million to dispose of waste