Carbon Statement

Southampton Primary Care Limited (SPCL) is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, supporting the NHS ambition to become the world’s first Net Zero health service and aligning with the commitments set out within Delivering a Net Zero NHS. 

As a GP Federation supporting integrated primary, community and neighbourhood healthcare delivery, SPCL recognises that environmental sustainability is integral to delivering high-quality, efficient and equitable healthcare services. 

This Carbon Reduction Plan establishes SPCL’s baseline carbon footprint, sets out the organisation’s strategic approach to carbon reduction and outlines the measures that will support delivery of Net Zero by 2045. 

The Board of Directors recognises that sustainability is achieved not only through reducing organisational emissions, but also through supporting transformation of healthcare delivery, prevention, population health improvement and effective utilisation of NHS resources. 

The purpose of this Carbon Reduction Plan is to: 

• Demonstrate SPCL’s commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
• Establisha baseline carbon emissions footprint. 
• Identifycarbon reduction priorities and opportunities. 
• Support compliance with Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21.
• Align organisational activity with NHS sustainabilityobjectives.
• Embed environmental sustainability within organisational governance and decision-making.

This Carbon Reduction Plan applies to all activities directly controlled by Southampton Primary Care Limited. 

The organisational boundary includes: 

• Corporate functions.
• Employed workforce.
• Sessional workforce activity commissioned by SPCL.
• Business travel.
• Operational vehicle use.
• Occupation of shared NHS premises.
• Procurement and operational activities.

The plan does not include emissions directly attributable to independent member GP practices or organisations outside SPCL’s operational control. 

SPCL’s approach to sustainability aligns with: 

• Delivering a Net Zero NHS.
• NHS Long Term Plan.
• NHS Green Plan Guidance.
• Fuller Stocktake Report.
• Integrated Care System Sustainability Strategies.
• Emerging Neighbourhood Health Service Model.
• Public Procurement Policy Requirements.

The organisation recognises that neighbourhood-based care, prevention, early intervention and integrated service delivery contribute to both improved health outcomes and reduced environmental impact. 

Southampton Primary Care Limited is a GP Federation working collaboratively with General Practice, Primary Care Networks, Integrated Care Systems and wider partners to support delivery of integrated healthcare services across local communities. 

SPCL employs 28 substantive staff and engages approximately 30 sessional clinicians and healthcare professionals. 

The organisation operates from accommodation co-located within existing NHS primary care infrastructure and does not maintain a standalone corporate office estate. 

This operating model supports efficient utilisation of public sector assets, reduces duplication of infrastructure and contributes to the sustainable delivery of healthcare services.

Reporting Year: 2025/26 

Scope 1 emissions relate primarily to organisational vehicle use. 

Scope 2 emissions relate to electricity consumption attributable to SPCL’s occupation of shared NHS premises. 

Scope 3 emissions include staff commuting, business travel, home working, purchased goods and services, information technology and operational support activities. 

These figures represent SPCL’s initial baseline and will be reviewed and refined annually as carbon reporting maturity develops. 

Objective 1 – Achieve Net Zero by 2045 

Maintain a clear trajectory towards Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2045. 

Objective 2 – Reduce Travel Related Emissions 

Reduce emissions arising from business travel and commuting through locality-based workforce deployment, digital collaboration and neighbourhood delivery models. 

Objective 3 – Maximise Utilisation of Existing NHS Infrastructure 

Continue to operate through existing NHS and community infrastructure wherever practicable, avoiding unnecessary estate expansion and associated emissions. 

Objective 4 – Embed Sustainability within Procurement 

Ensure environmental sustainability considerations are incorporated within procurement, commissioning and supplier engagement processes. 

Objective 5 – Support Sustainable Models of Care 

Support neighbourhood healthcare, prevention, integrated care and population health approaches that contribute to long-term sustainability across the wider health and care system. 

Sustainable Estate Utilisation 

SPCL operates through co-location within existing NHS premises, reducing the environmental impact associated with maintaining standalone office accommodation. 

This approach enables efficient utilisation of existing NHS assets, reduced energy consumption, reduced infrastructure requirements and reduced operational overheads. 

Neighbourhood-Based Delivery 

SPCL supports the development of neighbourhood-based healthcare delivery through collaboration with Primary Care Networks and local partners. 

This approach contributes to reduced travel requirements, improved access to care, more efficient use of local assets and reduced system-wide environmental impact. 

Digital Transformation 

SPCL continues to promote digital records management, electronic communications, virtual meetings, digital workflows and integrated clinical systems. 

These initiatives reduce paper consumption, waste generation and unnecessary travel. 

Sustainable Travel 

SPCL will continue to promote virtual engagement where appropriate, encourage active and sustainable travel, monitor business mileage and review opportunities to reduce vehicle emissions over time. 

Sustainable Procurement 

SPCL will consider environmental impact in procurement decisions, support suppliers aligned with NHS sustainability objectives, reduce waste and unnecessary consumption and promote responsible resource utilisation.

Progress will be reviewed annually by the Board. 

The Board of Directors retains overall accountability for delivery of this Carbon Reduction Plan. 

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring that environmental sustainability considerations are incorporated into organisational planning, service development and operational decision-making. 

Progress against carbon reduction objectives will be reviewed annually and reported through organisational governance arrangements. 

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 and associated guidance on Carbon Reduction Plans. 

Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocol Corporate Standard and Government environmental reporting requirements. 

The Board of Directors of Southampton Primary Care Limited confirms its commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and to implementing the measures outlined within this Plan.