Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero – NHS Sustainability Strategy
Alexandra Hammond, Associate Director of Net Zero and Sustainable Procurement at NHS England, took to the stage at Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero 2025 to outline how the NHS is embedding net zero and social value into its supply chain, leveraging its £35bn annual spend to drive sustainability.
The NHS commitment to net zero
Alexandra delivered an insightful presentation on the NHS’s role in achieving net zero and ensuring sustainability is central to its operations.
As one of the largest public sector organisations, the NHS has significant influence over supply chains and procurement, making it a key player in driving climate action.
Alexandra emphasised that sustainability is not an "either-or" choice between environmental responsibility and delivering high-quality healthcare.
"There is no trade-off between sustainability and a good health system," she stated, highlighting how climate change directly impacts public health and NHS resilience.
She referred to Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS, which reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to net zero despite ongoing financial and operational challenges.
"This isn’t just about cutting emissions," she said. "It’s about ensuring our health system is resilient and fit for the future."
Leveraging procurement for sustainability
A core focus of Alexandra’s talk was how the NHS is using its procurement power to embed sustainability into supply chains.
The organisation spends approximately £35bn annually on non-pay goods and services, giving it significant bargaining power with suppliers.
Alexandra explained how the NHS Net Zero and Social Value agenda is shaping procurement decisions.
Since 2021, all NHS suppliers have been required to include social value considerations in their bids, with at least 10% of the procurement weighting dedicated to this.
"This isn’t just about compliance," she said. "It’s about shifting the conversation so that sustainability is a core expectation rather than an optional extra."
The NHS has outlined a clear roadmap for its suppliers, setting key milestones to progressively increase environmental reporting and accountability.
Suppliers must already have carbon reduction plans for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, and by 2027, they will be required to report and set targets for Scope 3 emissions – those generated by their own supply chains.
By 2028, they must disclose the full environmental impact of their products.
"This isn’t about catching suppliers out," Alexandra stressed. "It’s about bringing everyone along on the journey and ensuring they have the tools and guidance to succeed."
Tackling modern slavery and ensuring social value
Beyond carbon reduction, Alexandra discussed the NHS’s commitment to tackling modern slavery within its supply chains.
"Our role is to mitigate these risks and ensure our supply chains align with our core purpose: to do no harm."
She also highlighted how the new Procurement Act, which came into force in February 2024, will enhance collaboration between public sector organisations and suppliers.
The shift towards an outcome-based approach will enable the NHS to drive greater social and environmental value through its procurement processes.
Future-proofing the NHS through sustainability
Alexandra ended her talk by encouraging sustainability professionals to remain resilient in the face of economic and political turbulence.
"It’s easy to feel like we’re fighting an uphill battle, but the reality is that sustainability is now embedded in legislation, and the business case for action is stronger than ever," she said.
She pointed to the UK’s net zero economy, which grew by 10% last year and generated £83bn in value.
"Sustainability isn’t just about responsibility – it’s about future-proofing businesses and public services,” she said.
Looking ahead, Alexandra highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and data in improving supply chain transparency and sustainability reporting.
"AI could revolutionise the way we track and manage supply chain emissions," she noted, suggesting that innovation will be key to meeting NHS net zero targets.
Alexandra concluded with a call to action: "We need to build resilience – both within our organisations and within ourselves. Sustainability professionals must stay firm, collaborate, and continue making the case for embedding climate action into core business strategy."
With the NHS legally required to meet net zero targets under the Health and Care Act 2022, Alexandra’s message was clear: sustainability in healthcare is non-negotiable, and action must continue despite external challenges.
Essential diary dates for 2025
Discover the essential diary dates for Sustainability Magazine and its sister publications – Procurement Magazine and Supply Chain Digital.
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- Sustainability LIVE Dubai | 22 April
- Sustainability LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Procurement LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Sustainability LIVE London | 9-10 September
- The Global Sustainability & ESG Awards | 10 September
- Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC | 22 September
- Sustainability LIVE: COP 30 Brazil | 11 November
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