Greener NHS Quarterly data collection

Frequency: quarterly

In October 2020, NHS England launched the Delivering a Net Zero NHS report, which outlines how the NHS will achieve its commitment to become Net Zero. 

High quality data and reporting were highlighted within the report as key components for understanding and monitoring against this commitment. The Greener NHS team develop, maintain and update an agreed measurement framework on behalf of the whole NHS to underpin the delivery of the NHS’ Net Zero ambitions and provide the basis for accountability at national, regional and programme level. The Greener NHS Quarterly Data Collection is a central component of this. The collection enables trusts and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to report and monitor progress against key deliverables for the Greener NHS programme over the current financial year.

Data is collected quarterly after each financial quarter ends. 

Registered users will have access to the exact submission dates in the Data Collections Framework.

The Greener NHS aggregate data collection is listed in the NHS Standard Contract: Approved Collections.

The Health and Care Act 2022 placed new duties on NHS England, ICBs and trusts to consider statutory emissions and environmental targets in their decisions. Trusts and ICBs are expected to meet these duties through the delivery of board-approved Green Plans.

13D. Duty as to effectiveness, efficiency etc.

The collection enables trusts and ICBs to benchmark performance and progress against peers and to identify opportunities for improvement. 

It also supports economical use of resources by informing targeted national investment decisions and by scheduling and designing the collection to reduce reporting burden and duplication across the system.

13NC. Duties as to climate change

At the national level, the collection supports the NHS in England in demonstrating compliance with statutory duties on climate change and fulfilling reporting requirements. 

The Greener NHS team develops, maintains and updates an agreed measurement framework on behalf of the whole NHS, of which the Greener NHS Quarterly Data Collection is a central component. It reduces duplication and variation in methodology and approach across the NHS system.

These duties are supported by statutory guidance, including Green Plan Guidance.