Our recent panel session on sustainability in the medtech industry, hosted by Rich Shaw, brought together leaders to share their experiences and strategies for integrating sustainable practices into their operations. This event was particularly timely, considering the current NHS sustainability roadmap and its key milestones.
The NHS Sustainability Roadmap
The NHS has published a comprehensive net zero roadmap aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, and for it’s suppliers by 2045. Key milestones include:
2024: Carbon Reduction Plans required for all framework contracts and extended to cover all new procurments.
2027: Carbon Reduction Plan to include all emission categories of Scope 1,2 & 3 for UK and global emissions.
2028: Product level carbon footprint provided as part of the procurement process.operation.
Key Speakers and Their Insights
Addie MacGregor, Sustainability Manager at the ABHI (Association of British HealthTech Industries) highlighted how the sector was initially overwhelmed by the sustainability requirements the NHS was introducing. ABHI, which represents around 400 members, has seen a significant learning journey over the past few years. Initially, there was a rapid period of literacy building, learning terminology such as Scope 1, 2, and 3.. However, through dedicated efforts and the NHS's support, these companies have made commendable progress.
Richard Cohen,Head of Operations at Pennine Healthcare, shared Pennine's journey. Recognizing the industry's shift towards sustainability, Pennine leveraged Lean Six Sigma to eliminate waste and improve processes. A critical aspect of their strategy was identifying and reducing energy consumption, which has led to significant operational improvements.
Claire Brook, Sustainability Manager EMEA at Boston Scientific discussed their long-standing commitment to sustainability. Their journey began with efforts to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. A key challenge was fostering internal collaboration within their large organisation. By integrating sustainability into everyday business practices and educating all employees, Boston Scientific has made significant strides.
Dr. Tom Dawson, founder and CEO of Revolution Zero, emphasised sustainability as the core of their business model. Formed during the pandemic, Revolution Zero focuses on replacing single-use medical textiles with reusable alternatives. Dr. Dawson introduced the concept of "carbon investment," where initial carbon costs lead to greater long-term savings. This approach aligns with the NHS's roadmap by prioritising circularity and resource preservation.
Current Challenges and Strategies
The panellists discussed the rapid evolution of sustainability practices and the need for organisations to adapt quickly. They highlighted several strategies:
Internal Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration across all levels of an organisation are crucial. This ensures that sustainability efforts are integrated into every aspect of the business.
Carbon Reduction Plans: Developing and implementing carbon reduction plans is a key requirement of the NHS roadmap. These plans not only help in reducing emissions but also raise awareness and drive organisational change.
Financial Benefits: Framing sustainability in terms of financial benefits can attract support from senior leadership. Sustainable practices lead to cost savings, making a compelling case for their adoption.
Conclusion
The panel concluded that sustainability in medtech is an ongoing journey. Regardless of the size of the organisation, shared knowledge and strategies can help overcome barriers. The NHS roadmap provides a direction for industry, and by focusing on efficiency, collaboration, and financial impacts, the medtech sector can make significant progress towards a sustainable future.
Or you can also watch these panel snippets!