Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust Case Study

Co2Analysis performed an analysis of the Avon and Wiltshire mental health NHS Trust, which was spearheaded by Luke Champion, their Energy and Sustainability manager.

In this case study we will investigate Luke’s reason for choosing us, the experience of working together, the outcomes that were generated by the partnership between Co2a and Avon & Wiltshire NHS Trust, and the current situation.

What challenge did Wiltshire & Avon Trust wish to solve, and why did they choose us?

Luke tells us that “for some years the NHS (and on a more local level our Trust) has been talking about measuring scope 3 emissions… and I decided, ‘right, we need to start actually doing something.’” Luke then had a look on the market to see what was available, examined various options, and performed research with other related organisations. He tells us that Co2a was recommended by several which gave them a good assurance, and so they opted to go with us.

How easy was it to work with us?

Luke recalls that the data sharing was “quite streamlined and not an onerous task.” He added that “generally speaking it wasn’t an admin hungry process. It was quite easy.”

The partnership between Co2a and Avon Trust has so far achieved these outcomes;

1. Full understanding of Avon’s scope 3 emissions. Luke told us that following the analysis, they have realised that scope 3 is their largest share of emissions, which “dwarfs everything else.” He added that previously, they hadn’t been at all sure how large their scope 3 emissions were, causing them to be uncomfortable at the idea of publishing anything about it or taking serious action. Luke says: “So I’m happy now. Although it’s a big number -laugh- I’d rather be knowing what I know rather than not knowing. I feel more comfortable with that.”
2. Using the data to create actionable plans and take steps to reduce their scope 3 emissions. Luke tells us that with the data, and especially the line-by-line product data, they are able to start switching out products and services for alternatives that are not only more carbon efficient, but also cheaper. Luke said: “In our pharmacy team they’re using the data to look at line-detail for the products they buy, the drugs, etc. Looking at the ones that have the most carbon impact and looking to see what alternatively might be available.”

“Having the line-by-line data is really powerful, because you can literally drill down into exactly the products that you’re buying, and then see what might be available as an option or alternative. So that’s really helpful.” – Luke Champion on GreenInsight

One of the primary differences between our service and others, is that we go far deeper than the standard category level analysis. Here is what Luke had to say about Category-Level Reporting Vs. Item-Level: “When it’s done at category level, that’s okay to give a general overview of the types of products you’re buying. But when you’re in the realm of procurement teams, etc., they need more detail.” He added that “When you want to get involved looking at alternate products, you need that detail, really.”

Luke wanted to add that Co2analysis was one half of the equation. The analysis gave the team good data that enabled them to build action plans, find alternative products, and really get to the bottom of their scope 3 in terms of; How big is it? What is it made up of? How can it be reduced?

However, the other half was that of having teams and departments that were passionate and engaged in sustainability matters. Most especially, Luke tells us that the pharmacy, procurement and comms departments are all deeply committed to reducing the Trusts carbon emissions.

In our experience, this is very important and we recommend any group seeking to reduce their emissions to foster a culture with a sustainability focus. We can give you the tools to get the job done, but the teams involved need to actually want to do the job in the first place.