England and Norway:
examples of sustainable transformation
of healthcare systems.

Organised in partnership with the International Hospital Federation, this study tour brought together a high-level international delegation around a shared objective: understanding how the United Kingdom and Norway structure their leadership in sustainable healthcare.

From 1 to 6 February 2026, an international delegation took part in a study tour dedicated to sustainability leadership in healthcare, between London and Oslo . The objective: to understand how leading organisations transform sustainability into an operational lever (quality, resilience, performance, attractiveness) rather than treating it as a peripheral topic.

The mission began in the United Kingdom with sessions held with the , notably through the Greener NHS initiative. Delegation members received a structured presentation of the British system and its Net Zero ambitions.
Discussions addressed the reduction of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, highlighting the importance of supply chain engagement and national coordination to achieve measurable results. Sustainability is managed as a strategic pillar, on par with quality and patient safety.

At University College London Hospitals (UCLH), hospital leaders analysed the concrete integration of sustainability into daily operations. Key initiatives included:
– Decommissioning of nitrous oxide systems
– Transition from single-use devices to reusable or reprocessed solutions
– Measurable emissions reductions associated with financial savings
These examples demonstrate that sustainability also serves as a driver of economic performance.

At Cromwell Hospital (Bupa), the approach presented was based on a comprehensive strategy combining infrastructure and clinical practice:
– Heat recovery from air handling units
– Demand-led heating systems
– Capture and recovery of anaesthetic gases
– Elimination of desflurane
– Reduction of nitrous oxide leaks
– Decreased reliance on single-use devices
Together, these initiatives illustrate a systemic transformation linking environmental performance with clinical excellence.

In Oslo , the programme began at the National Health Service, where delegates explored Norway’s national strategy. Discussions focused on system organisation, ambitions in digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and the integration of sustainability criteria into public procurement policies.

A workshop led by María del Carmen Menéndez Calzada enabled participants to use the simulation CELL tool developed by the Geneva Sustainability Centre, deepening their understanding of carbon measurement methodologies and identifying concrete emission-reduction levers for their own institutions. This practical exercise facilitated the definition of short- and medium-term priority actions.

At Oslo University Hospital, the delegation visited the new Life Sciences building under construction — a future high-tech laboratory designed for more efficient and sustainable sample processing.

Observed initiatives included:
– Furniture reuse
– Supplier engagement to reduce carbon footprint
– Cooperation with the NHS
– Innovative cooling solutions using snow
– Expanded development of hospital-at-home services

These examples show how infrastructure, responsible procurement and care models are evolving simultaneously.

At Diakonhjemmet Hospital, the sustainability strategy was presented both at Foundation and hospital levels. Implemented actions include:
– Zero-emission vehicle fleet
– Reduction of food waste
– Deployment of home-care projects for older adults
– Mobile geriatric teams
– Digital tools enabling remote patient monitoring

These initiatives contribute to reducing avoidable hospitalisations while maintaining quality of care.
The mission generated strong engagement among delegation members, who actively shared their experiences and reflected on how to adapt the observed models within their own organisations.