NIHR launches £25 million funding to decarbonise the health and social care system
- 28 November 2024
- 2 min read
The NIHR has launched a new £25m funding opportunity to help the health and social care system reach net zero.
This cross-programme funding opportunity will run annually, as part of NIHR’s climate health and sustainability commitments to help reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero.
The goal is to attract and fund research that urgently addresses knowledge gaps and finds creative solutions that will help to decarbonise the health and social care system.
Examples of research proposals could include:
- evaluation of low-carbon interventions
- research on optimal strategies for reducing waste
- evaluation of sustainable alternatives to single-use products
- research exploring the workforce culture shift, knowledge and skills needed to deliver net zero clinical care pathways
The funding will be split across 5 years, with a new application process opening each year.
Applicants can co-produce research proposals with charities, local authorities, third sector organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other relevant stakeholders.
Jennifer Ekelund, NIHR Interim Head of Sustainability, said: “Research is essential to uncovering bold new solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of our health and social care system.
“The climate emergency poses a significant challenge to public health, and we recognise the key role NIHR must play in driving sustainable health and care systems.
“This new funding opportunity will bolster research in this area, driving innovation to enable the system to reduce emissions and ultimately reach net zero.”
Decarbonising the system
About 4-5% of the UK’s total carbon emissions come from the health services. Huge progress has already been made with reducing the carbon footprint of the NHS, with a reduction of 26% between 1990 and 2020. The social care sector has also made progress, yet more than 50% of health and social care providers lack an adequate environmental strategy to measure their impact on the environment.
The Achieving Net Zero report has highlighted the critical role of local authorities in achieving net zero in the care sector. Given the complexity of health systems, decarbonisation initiatives need to adopt a whole systems approach in order to be truly effective.
Applying for the funding
Learn more about our decarbonising the health and social care system funding opportunity and how to apply.
