NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has ‘taken the pledge’ in its latest commitment to sustainability and the environment.
The health board has joined other boards, alongside universities and colleges, public bodies and private businesses, in signing up to Way to Work – a nationwide initiative that promotes and supports active and sustainable travel in workplaces.
Last year, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed its commitment to sustainability and achieving net zero by officially launching its new five-year Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy.
The strategy, which was endorsed by the Board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, set out in detail its plans to tackle the climate emergency and its pathway towards net zero heat Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2038 and an overall position of net zero GHG emissions by 2040.
Among the key objectives NHSGGC set itself was to promote sustainable and active travel among its workforce and members of the public who use its services, and it has already taken great strides in converting to electric vehicles in its fleet of cars and vans, creating high-quality infrastructure for cyclists and walkers, and working with outside agencies to improve access to public transport.
To help achieve its goals in this area, NHSGGC has a dedicated team tasked with supporting and promoting active and sustainable travel. The Travel Plan Office team provides a wide range of support for staff with initiatives including the Cycle to Work scheme, ‘Dr Bike’ cycling maintenance service, annual public transport season tickets and staff engagement events.
In taking the Way to Work pledge NHSGGC has made the following commitment:
“We pledge to support active and sustainable travel, creating policies and developing working environments that support our staff and all those who use our services, and promoting the benefits of active and sustainable travel both within our organisation and across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”
Martin Johnston, Head of Sustainability at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, was one of the driving forces behind the Way to Work commitment. He said:
“Helping to tackle the climate emergency and carving out a meaningful pathway to net zero is central to all aspects of the services provided by and work done within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
“As part of that, we are committed to promoting active and sustainable travel – whether that’s ditching four wheels for two, walking to work or taking the bus or train rather than the car – and I would like to thank the active travel team for the good work they are doing.
“Taking the Way to Work pledge is another step on our journey to meeting our sustainability objectives, and we are pleased to be working with the organisation going forward.”
- To find out more about NHSGGC’s sustainability and environmental commitments, go to: Sustainability – NHSGGC
- To find out more about Way to Work and the Way to Work pledge, go to: Home – Way to Work Scotland
