The HSE's Climate Action Strategy aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and provide healthcare that is environmentally and socially sustainable. We have obligations to achieve this under the government's climate action plans.
HSE Climate Action Strategy 2023 - 2050 (PDF, 1.4 MB, 64 pages)
To show leadership and commitment we should integrate sustainability into our:
- buildings and the green environment
- transport and mobility
- procurement
- greener models of healthcare
- water and waste management
- adaptation and resilience (increasing resilience of critical infrastructure and resources)
To implement our strategy on reducing our carbon footprint we will collaborate and work together with:
- staff
- public sector colleagues
- patients
- partners
- communities
The Climate Action Programme is responsible for implementation of the strategy. The implementation involves embedding sustainability into our ways of working across the health service. The programme office provides support, guidance, tools, and track improvement measures to help achieve implementation.
Climate and Sustainability Recognition Awards
To showcase achievements in this space, HSE Climate Action and Sustainability Programme and HSE Spark Innovation invite award submissions.
The awards will recognise initiatives, collaborations and scalable solutions that are driving real progress in climate action and environmental space.
Further information and application – see Climate and Sustainability Recognition Awards (PDF, size 184.6 KB, 1 page). Deadline - Friday 8 August 2025.
‘We’re Taking Climate Action - The time is now’ Conference
The Recognition Awards link to this conference on 16 September 2025 - We’re Taking Climate Action - The Time is Now
Email: climateandsustainability@hse.ie
Related documents
Climate Action Plan 2025 - gov.ie
Roadmap for taking decisive action to halve our emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050
HSE Climate Action Strategy 2023 - 2050 (PDF, 1.4 MB, 64 pages)
Strategy launched by the HSE Climate Action Programme office June 2023.
HSE Infrastructure decarbonisation roadmap (PDF, size 4.6 MB, 43 pages)
Roadmap sets out the approach and actions to achieve the government's climate action plan and targets to 2030 and 2050.
Climate change adaptation plan for the health sector (2019 - 2024) - gov.ie
Plan identifying the main climate change impacts we expect to face in the health sector and how we can build resilience and reduce our vulnerabilities.
HSE Climate - Regional Implementation Guidance (PDF, 1.67 MB, 12 pages)
This guidance is for regional implementation teams to support effective delivery of the HSE Climate Action Strategy at regional and local levels across the HSE and health services.
HSE Greener Space Framework (PDF, 6.15 MB, 48 pages)
A framework to create, enhance and manage green space to promote physical and mental wellbeing and biodiversity across HSE sites.
HSE Transport Framework (PDF, 1.86 MB, 32 pages)
A framework to eliminate, reduce, and substitute transport emission sources associated with delivering and accessing healthcare.
HSE Mobility Framework (PDF, 1.96 MB, 36 pages)
A framework to promote travel initiatives to avoid unnecessary service user and staff journeys, support and encourage active travel, low carbon or public transport alternatives.
HSE Water Conservation Framework (PDF, 1.38 MB, 25 pages)
A framework to manage water consumption and conservation measures to reduce wastage.
HSE Sustainable Waste Framework (PDF, size 1.2 MB, 35 pages)
A framework and supporting implementation plan to minimise food waste generation, increase recycling and reduce the amount of clinical waste generated.
HSE Energy Policy Signed Dated 2025 (PDF, size 53 KB, 1 page)
Letter from Office of National Director, Head of Strategic Health Infrastructure
Useful resources
HSE Climate Action Staff Campaign (PDF, 92.78 KB, 7 pages)
HSE Climate Action Environmental Impacts poster (PDF, 535.82 KB, 1 page)
HSE Climate Action - Brochure including staff messages and an insider poster (PDF, 116.34 KB 5 pages)
Contact
HSE Climate Programme Office
Email:climateandsustainability@hse.ie
