Celebrating a decade of leadership: Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

As we continue to celebrate 10 years of the Health Care Climate Challenge, we’re highlighting institutions that have set the pace for climate action in the health sector. Among them is Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT); an example of how a regional health system can drive meaningful change through vision, planning, and persistent action.

Since joining the Challenge, Sussex Community has emerged as a climate leader in the UK and beyond, earning 12 awards in recognition of its environmental achievements since 2019. As a committed member of Race to Zero, the Trust has placed climate and sustainability at the core of its operations, helping to transform health care delivery for a greener future.

Its ambition is reflected in the Trust’s Green Plan, a strategic roadmap developed to guide the organization toward net zero. But Sussex Community’s leadership doesn’t stop at planning. The Trust has steadily implemented its commitments with impressive results:

• Investments in low-carbon infrastructure and energy efficiency across sites,
• Increased adoption of sustainable transport options for staff and patients,
• Waste reduction initiatives and greener models of care that prioritize prevention and community-based solutions.

These initiatives not only help reduce emissions but also improve health outcomes and resilience, showing how sustainability and care quality are entwined. 

As we mark this milestone year, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust stands as a compelling example of healthcare’s power to lead on climate. Their progress is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, collaboration, and a clear sense of purpose.

We’re honoured to recognise their contributions to the Health Care Climate Challenge and look forward to seeing how they continue to raise the bar in the years ahead.