Our commitment to achieving net zero

At Oxford Brookes, we recognise that urgent action is required to reduce or halt climate change. We declared a Climate Emergency in 2021 and are committed to being carbon net zero by 2040.

Oxford Brookes’ green credentials are outlined in our sustainability strategy. We have a target to reduce our carbon emissions by over two thirds by 2030. We are decarbonising our heating system and have dramatically increased the amount of renewable energy we generate. This has been recognised in the 2022/23 People & Planet University League rankings: Oxford Brookes University moved up 35 places in the rankings of UK universities on their environmental and ethical performance.

IPC consultants have significantly reduced the impact upon the environment of our travel and use of office space. We use virtual and hybrid engagement whenever possible, and our policies encourage and promote sustainable travel.

Growing awareness across health and social care

The UK government has committed to net carbon emissions by 2050. This is a national yardstick and public services have followed suit. Most local authorities and the NHS have set out ambitious net carbon zero strategies, plans and targets.

Across the NHS there is a Green NHS Plan and commitment to being carbon net zero by 2040. All integrated care systems are required to have an integrated green plan. As social care accounts for a large proportion of council spend, there is a national roadmap published by the Welsh Government for social care departments to meet net carbon zero by 2030.

How IPC can help

Health and social care systems will not only need to decarbonise their own operations, but also consider the environmental impact on local people’s health and wellbeing. For example, how to plan for and respond to public health emergencies like heatwaves. Or the impact of climate change on long-term conditions.

In our consultancy projects we work with our clients to make future-proof strategic decisions. Our professional development programmes include new responsibilities and accountabilities relating to net zero. In addition, we have developed strong skills and expertise in supporting digital technology innovation and adoption across the social care sector. Digital technology not only delivers improved outcomes, but also contributes to net zero targets and ambitions.