Carbon Reduction Plan
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Athena Surgical Centre is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, in line with UK government targets and the NHS’s sustainability goals.
2. PURPOSE
2.1 This Carbon Reduction Plan outlines our current GHG emissions, reduction targets, and the strategies we will implement to achieve Net Zero.
2.2 By executing this Carbon Reduction Plan, Athena Surgical Centre aims to contribute positively to environmental sustainability and support the NHS’s commitment to a greener future.
3. ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS
| CRP | Carbon Reduction Plan |
| GHG | Greenhouse Gas (namely ones contributing to climate change including CO2, CH4 and N2O). |
| Green Projects | The name of the Athena Surgical Centre carbon reduction projects |
| Net Zero | Achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and emissions removed from the atmosphere. |
| PPN 06/21 | Procurement Policy Note 06/21 – UK Government’s guidance on taking account of carbon reduction plans in procurement. |
4.ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 Senior Leadership Team
4.1.1 Provide strategic oversight and approve carbon reduction targets and policies.
4.1.2 Lead the implementation of carbon reduction initiatives, monitor progress, and report performance metrics.
4.1.3 Implement energy efficiency measures, manage waste reduction programs, and oversee procurement policies.
4.1.4 Promote sustainable commuting options, employee engagement programs and training on carbon reduction.
4.2 All Employees (including part time and bank staff)
4.2.1 Support and adopt sustainable practices in day-to-day operations, including responsible energy use, waste management, and travel choices.
5.THE POLICY
5.1 Baseline Emissions Footprint
5.1.1 We are in the process of assessing our baseline emissions for the year 2025, serving as the reference point for our reduction efforts.
- Scope 1 (Direct Emissions): Emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as company vehicles and on-site fuel combustion.
- Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions): Emissions from purchased electricity, heat, steam, and cooling.
- Scope 3 (Other Indirect Emissions): Emissions from business travel, employee commuting, waste disposal, and supply chain activities.
5.1.2 Please note, detailed qualification of these emissions is underway, and specific figures will be provided upon completion of comprehensive GHG assessment.
- Emissions Reduction Targets
- To align with our Net Zero commitment by 2050, we have established the following interim targets:
- 2026: Achieve a 10% reduction in total GHG emissions from the 2025 baseline.
- 2030: Achieve a 30% reduction in total GHG emissions from the 2025 baseline.
- 2040: Achieve a 70% reduction in total GHG emissions from the 2025 baseline.
- Emissions Reduction Strategies
- Athena Surgical Centre will implement the following strategies (Green Projects) to reduce our carbon footprint:
- Energy efficiency: We aim to remote work where we can. This ensures that no office space is taken up unnecessarily. This saves on heating, lighting and the need for equipment.
- Renewable energy: Transition to 100% renewable energy sources for our operations by 2030.
- Sustainable travel: Where travel is required we encourage the use of public transportation and carpooling.
- Paperless: We endeavour to run a paperless organisation. Printing will be prohibited from 2026 unless absolutely required.
- Waste reduction: All our staff are trained in how to maximise recycling and minimise waste.
5.3 Emissions Reduction Strategies
5.3.1 Athena Surgical Centre will implement the following strategies (Green Projects) to reduce our carbon footprint:
- Energy efficiency: We aim to remote work where we can. This ensures that no office space is taken up unnecessarily. This saves on heating, lighting and the need for equipment.
- Renewable energy: Transition to 100% renewable energy sources for our operations by 2030.
- Sustainable travel: Where travel is required we encourage the use of public transportation and carpooling.
- Paperless: We endeavour to run a paperless organisation. Printing will be prohibited from 2026 unless absolutely required.
- Waste reduction: All our staff are trained in how to maximise recycling and minimise waste.
5.4 Progress monitoring and reporting
5.4.1 Athena Surgical Centre will monitor progress through annual GHG inventories and report our emissions and reduction achievements transparently.
6. REVIEW
6.This policy is reviewed every 3 years from the date of publication or sooner should any relevant changes to practice are required to be included and/or implemented.
7. RELEVANT LEGISLATION, NATIONAL GUIDANCE, ASSOCICATED DOUMENTS
8. APPENDIX
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