Practice management
Clinical approaches to becoming a greener practice
Around 60% of carbon emissions in primary care come from clinical work. The majority of these emissions relate to prescribing.
WiseGP actions:
1. Explore these 6 steps to work towards a greener practice. Suggestions range from nature-based interventions and social prescribing to de-prescribing, low carbon prescribing, patient empowerment and self-care. https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/12/15/aarti-bansal-and-grant-blashki-six-steps-to-both-greener-and-better-primary-care/
2. Encourage your student, foundation doctor or GP trainee to lead a sustainable QI project- find potential ideas here: https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/information-and-resources/information-for-students-and-trainees/
3. Sign up to be part of the greener practice network and explore further resources here:
Organisational approaches to becoming a greener practice
Around 40% of carbon emissions in primary care are due to organisational factors. This includes energy use, staff and patient travel and business services.
WiseGP actions:
1. Take steps to reduce energy use (from switching off lights and air conditioning, to shutting down computers, insulating your building and getting solar panels or air source heat pumps).
2. Encourage active travel to the practice by staff and patients.
3. Make ethical and green choices where possible about the products your business uses.
4. Reduce, reuse and recycle!
Read more specific advice on the above recommendations here: https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/information-and-resources/organisational-considerations/
Have a look at the RCGP's Green Impact for Health Toolkit, available here:
