NHS Lanarkshire embraces new technology to tackle commuter emissions

The health board has partnered with technology platform, Mobilityways, to support staff to travel more sustainably, as part of its ambitious 2045 net-zero commitments.

In the coming months, the platform will be available to all staff working in communities, health centres, clinics, offices and hospitals, and will allow each employee to view their own personalised, sustainable travel plan from their home to their place of work.

Marie Porteous, head of sustainability and environment, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We recognise, and are embracing, our responsibility to play our part in leading the way by being a catalyst to positive and greener change.

“Our new partnership with Mobilityways is the natural continuation of our work to enable more sustainable commuting; it will not only help us better understand employee travel habits but also the emissions associated with commuting.

“Secure cycle parking, new pathways and safer crossings on site ensure staff can easily commute on foot or bike, while a new low-cost bike hire scheme in association with Brompton gives staff the means to cycle to work.

“As COP26 approaches, we’re thrilled to share this new initiative will be rolled out NHS Lanarkshire wide later in the year.

“Moreover, we will continue to play our role in reducing our carbon footprint, as we look towards a net-zero carbon NHS by 2045, and I’m confident that by working together with our people, our partners and our communities, we can ensure Lanarkshire is a greener, healthier and happier place which will make a real difference for our NHS, our people and our planet.”

Ali Clabburn, Liftshare Group founder & CEO, added: “It’s fantastic to be working with NHS Lanarkshire, who really is a best-in-class example of a health board taking action to reduce their commuting emissions. The results of the scoping report from across all its sites show the latent potential of sustainable commuting options. As pioneers of the Zero Carbon Commuting movement, NHS Lanarkshire is demonstrating the power of data in tracking and changing emissions to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.”