Travel and Transport
NHS related travel makes up about 5% of road journeys in England. The emissions relating to business travel are included in the 2040 net zero target, with the staff and patient visitor travel in the 2045 net zero target. NHS England released a Net Zero Travel and Transport Plan; the applicable targets are included in this section and within the Trust’s Travel Plan.
KGH has a minimal fleet, with a small number of lease cars and a van used within Estates and Facilities. Most of the business travel is undertaken in staff cars; the Grey Fleet. As such emissions relating to travel and its associated pollution come from travel relating to staff commute and patients and visitors coming to site.
Where we are now:
KGH has worked closely for several years with Brightwayz, a local Social Enterprise. Together they have set up a proactive Trust Travel Group and created and implemented a Travel Plan. A travel survey has been sent to all staff in each of the past three years.
The Digital Team has improved the ability of staff to work flexibly and remotely through continuous investment in the network infrastructure as detailed in the Digital Transformation section of this plan.
In 2024 KGH were awarded Modeshift Stars Healthcare Site of the Year for their work to improve active travel.
A new cycle shelter with a bike pump and repair station close was installed close to the main entrance with cycle servicing offered at the launch event. New lockers and showers have also been installed.
Our aims are to:
• Reduce carbon emissions from business mileage by 10% compared to 2024/25
• Reduce carbon emissions from staff commuting by 25% compared to 2024/25
• Double the number of staff members coming to work using low carbon forms of travel
Action |
Financial Investment |
When |
Responsible Department |
| Update the KGH Travel Plan | Various | 2027 | Various |
| Offer only Zero Emission vehicles through salary sacrifice by December 2026 | Low | 2027 | Finance |
| Make arrangements to purchase or lease only Zero Emissions fleet vehicles from December 2027 | Medium | 2028 | Facilities |
| Review the Trust’s performance against the Clean Air Hospital Framework and implement measures to reach 'getting there'. | Medium | 2027 | Various |
| Create lower carbon options for working across UHN sites | Medium | 2027 | Facilities |
| Work with local partners to increase public transport provision through the Health Anchor Network | Low | 2027 | Facilities |
| Work with EMAS to ensure the site is ready to implement electric ambulance charging infrastructure. | High | 2028 | Estates |
| Achieve Modeshift Silver Accreditation | Low | 2027 | Facilities |
| Measure emissions from business travel | Low | 2025 | Sustainability |
| Measure emissions from the staff commute | Low | 2025 | Sustainability |
Measurement
Expenses data
Travel Survey
Progress Clean Air Hospital Framework
Progress against Travel Plan