NHS Trusts in England make net-zero gains but one in five lack the clear roadmaps needed to achieve 2040 target

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  Posted by: electime      4th February 2026

  • One in five don’t have an agreed plan to meet net-zero goals
  • One in four using fossil fuels for over 90 per cent of their energy
  • Trusts turning to technology to make progress – almost two-thirds using solutions to optimise energy use

New research reveals that NHS Trusts across England are making headway towards net-zero targets but a significant number still lack clear plans and measurement practices to reduce their carbon emissions.

There are marked improvements in technology adoption, digitalisation, renewable technologies, and energy efficiency drives. However, there are ongoing challenges developing robust sustainability strategies in the NHS and a continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

This is according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data from 66 NHS Trusts in England, released today by Schneider Electric, the global energy technology leader.

Key findings include:

Clear and actionable plans needed for NHS Trusts to ensure long term progress towards targets

  • One in five Trusts (21 per cent ) don’t have a clear roadmap to meet the NHS net-zero targets although this is an improvement from 31 per cent in 2024
  • One in five Trusts (21 per cent ) are not measuring their carbon footprint, although this has improved from 29 per cent in 2024
  • One in four (26 per cent ) remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 90 per cent of their energy coming from these sources

Technology and digitalisation at the core of NHS sustainability initiatives

  • 64 per cent have adopted technology to monitor and optimise energy use, up from 48 per cent in 2024
  • 64 per cent of Trusts have upgraded building systems
  • 33 per cent have digitised electrical infrastructure and energy sources to drive efficiencies
  • 30 per cent of Trusts have adopted circular business practices, up from 19 per cent in 2024. This includes the refurbishment and redistribution of medical equipment

Funding accelerates with NHS Trust spending prioritised around renewables and energy efficiency initiatives

  • Significant boost in funds with nine in ten (89 per cent ) Trusts receiving funding for decarbonisation projects, compared to 67 per cent in 2024
  • Funding is being prioritised around:
    • 64 per cent invested in solar panels and other renewable sources, compared to 16 per cent last year
    • 53 per cent upgraded Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
    • 68 per cent have used funding to install energy efficient technologies and equipment such as LED lighting, an increase of 28 per cent from 2024
    • 9 per cent have introduced training to encourage behavioural change

“We’ve just passed the five-year mark since the NHS committed to reaching net-zero for direct emissions by 2040, the world’s first healthcare system to do so. We should be proud of this and the way in which Trusts are embracing sustainability and making progress towards these targets,” said Alice Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP Digital Energy, UK&I. “But, with energy usage and rising costs major challenges for the NHS, there is still much work to be done. Renewable sources, modern technology, and digital solutions offer a real opportunity to upgrade existing options, paving the way for a more sustainable and robust NHS for the future.”