In the world of healthcare, sustainability is quickly becoming a legal and regulatory requirement, not just a nice-to-have.

The UK government’s net zero by 2050 target means healthcare organisations need to move quickly across a range of areas. Currently, the NHS net zero plan, which sets a 2040 deadline for achieving net-zero emissions, is shaping how hospitals and clinics approach sustainability(1).

This plan lays out a framework for the NHS to reduce its carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable practices. Healthcare organisations are now required to report their carbon emissions and develop plans to reduce them.

Additionally, waste management regulations remain critical. Healthcare organisations must comply with stringent rules about how to dispose of medical waste and ensure that it is done in an environmentally responsible way(2). Local authorities and waste contractors are pushing healthcare providers to reduce the environmental impact of medical waste, including moving away from single-use plastics and reducing landfill waste.

As energy efficiency regulations continue to tighten, healthcare facilities will need to adopt newer technologies to comply. There are also upcoming environmental disclosure regulations that will likely require more transparency in terms of the carbon impact of products used in healthcare settings, such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

The future of healthcare regulation is likely to focus on reducing environmental impact while maintaining the high standards of patient care. With more regulatory changes on the horizon, the healthcare sector must adapt quickly to stay ahead of these requirements and reap the benefits of a more sustainable, cost-effective future.

Bibliography

1 UK health services make landmark pledge to achieve net zero (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-health-services-make-landmark-pledge-to-achieve-net-zero

2 NHS clinical waste strategy (Accessed May 2025) https://www.england.nhs.uk/estates/nhs-clinical-waste-strategy/