The healthcare industry contributes substantially to the global climate emergency accounting for an estimated 5% of greenhouse gas emissions. Within the NHS, inhalers contribute to around 3% of its carbon footprint, and respiratory medicine as a specialty is a significant user of intensive acute care, single-use plastics and consumables.
Dr Laura-Jane Smith, BTS Sustainability Trustee, led a task and finish group of passionate BTS Members to develop the toolkit, drawn from across the respiratory multi-disciplinary Team. She says;
"I'm so proud of our new accessible, informative and action-focused Sustainability Toolkit. The Respiratory community has already demonstrated that we can provide high-quality care with the lowest environmental impact, and I hope this toolkit spurs colleagues on to greater and faster action. Our patients are already so affected by climate change; they are relying on us to act."
The Toolkit signposts to a wide range of tools and information, with tips for those who have only 10 minutes to spare, to advice on how to become a climate leader within the NHS. Respiratory clinicians will find all the networking and educational resources they need to start their sustainability journey.
London, London WC1N 2PL
02/07/2026 13:27:39
British Thoracic Society
