How occupational therapy is powering a greener NHS

Climate change is the biggest health threat we face and the NHS, with its vast carbon footprint, is both part of the problem and the solution. But while headlines often focus on buildings and tech, the real power to drive change lies with the people delivering care. 

Occupational therapists (OTs) are already leading the way. Working across health and social care, we're in a unique position to deliver low-carbon, high-impact interventions that improve lives, reduce emissions and save money. From early intervention to digital rehab and equipment reuse, OT-led care is shaping a more sustainable future for health, education and social care. 

Prevention is the greenest medicine 

The NHS produces more carbon than aviation and shipping combined in the UK. A big chunk of that comes from clinical care. That’s why the most sustainable hospital bed is the one that’s never needed. 

As OTs we are uniquely placed to support this shift towards preventative care. Our training in both mental and physical health means we can support people to stay well – reducing pressure on emergency services and cutting unnecessary admissions. It’s prevention in action. 

Real change, real impact 

When staff are given time to innovate, the results speak for themselves. One team moved just 2% of neuro rehab appointments online and saved 10,000 travel miles, £7,000 and slashed waiting times from a year to five weeks. 

When occupational therapists are involved in building design, it helps promote wellness and reduce illness. There’s really good evidence showing that, if you can see greenery from a hospital bed – even just a window box – or connect with nature in therapy, you can recover more quickly and be discharged earlier. Occupational therapists involved in gardening groups for stroke recovery, such as the one at Homerton Hospital; growing food with communities in GP surgeries, as in Lewisham in South London; and green walking groups for mental health are all making a big difference. 

These aren’t just good outcomes – they’re greener ones too. 

Smarter use of resources 

OTs are central to the circular economy in health and social care. We prescribe and manage equipment and we’re key to making sure it’s reused and recycled. With the NHS generating 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste each year, this matters. 

The ‘Design for Life Roadmap’ is setting out how to make equipment more sustainable – but it’ll only work if the people using and prescribing it are involved. That means OTs. 

Better for people, better for the planet 

From neonatal care to fatigue management, we're improving outcomes while cutting carbon. In neonatal units, babies supported by OTs were discharged nine days earlier on average – saving families stress and the NHS thousands of pounds. Online fatigue groups have helped patients stay connected and independent, even after formal treatment ends. 

These are small changes with big ripple effects. 

A people-powered future 

The NHS isn’t just bricks and mortar – it’s people. And if we want a greener, more resilient system, we need to back the staff who know how to make it happen. 

We need occupational therapists to keep showing what’s possible. Talk to your employers, colleagues and local decision-makers to tell them about how you can help them save money and be kinder to the planet, while still delivering the same results for the people accessing your services. Share stories showing the real impact you make and embed the message in your everyday work. 

If you’re a health or social care worker, we urge you to recognise the value of occupational therapy and its role in building a fairer, more sustainable health and care system. Connect with occupational therapists in our organisation to find out more about impact they make and support their profile-raising activities. 

Working together, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly system for all.