Carbon footprint study for the University Hospital of North Staffordshire

Introduction

The research was commissioned by the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in order to estimate the carbon footprint associated with the delivery of catering supplies to its site in Stoke-on-Trent.

The aim was to compare the carbon emissions of food deliveries between the new and previous set of catering suppliers.

Summary of project research

Project reports and publications

Summary of project research

Data was collected on the type of vehicles and fuel used by the suppliers, the distance travelled as well as the number and frequency of their visits to the Hospital. This information was then used to calculate the carbon footprint associated with deliveries made by each of the suppliers.

The results revealed that the annual carbon emissions from food transport were now approximately 14.5 tonnes less than previously - corresponding to a 40% reduction of the carbon footprint associated with the delivery of food.

A simplified diagram of the results (single site only) is shown below (Fig. 1).

Figure 1 - Annual carbon emissions associated with delivery of catering supplies to the Hospital.

Although this is a significant reduction, it has been primarily the result of rearranging the food delivery scheme and reducing the number of suppliers.

The report illustrated how food sourced from more local suppliers (such as for instance within 20 km) would reduce the carbon footprint of deliveries even further (Fig 2) and pointed out other environmental, social and economic benefits that would be enhanced by local procurement.

However, as it was recognised that local procurement may not always be feasible, carbon offsetting was recommended as a possible alternative, with a number of offsetting options presented to illustrate the costs.

Figure 2 – Hypothetical scenario showing carbon emissions if the same suppliers were based within 20 km.

The study also placed the findings in the wider context of sustainability and stressed that local sourcing of food is only one aspect of sustainable procurement.

Drawing upon the principles and actions set out by the NHS Good Corporate Citizenship programme and the recently published Carbon Reduction Strategy, recommendations were made for a more sustainable food procurement process.

Project reports and publications

Full report: Carbon Footprint Implications for the Sourcing of Hospital Food in North Staffordshire.

Related publications:

NHS Good Corporate Citizenship website.

The NHS Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) (2008) ‘NHS – Saving Carbon, Improving Health: A Draft Carbon Reduction Strategy for the NHS in England: a consultation document’.

SDU and Stockholm Environment Institute (2008) ‘NHS England Carbon Emissions: Carbon Footprinting Report’.