Scotland’s Climate Week is an opportunity to celebrate and encourage climate action, and learn more about what we can all do to help.
The climate and ecological emergency is a health emergency – so by taking action to help tackle climate change, we can also help improve people’s health and wellbeing.
We all have a part to play – whatever our role. And we’re all in it together.
We are over 180,000 strong – so what we do can make a real difference.
From recycling to active travel, from energy use to our supply chain, from prescribing to our greenspaces – there are many ways we can make a change.
This #ScotClimateWeek, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the work happening across Scotland to make our NHS more sustainable – and the people behind this work.
We caught up with Peter Beukes, Category Manager – Heat Purchase Agreement /Power Purchase Agreement (HPA / PPA), National Procurement, NHS National Services Scotland.
Hi Peter, what does taking climate action mean to you?
Taking climate action, for me, is about creating a balance between the environment, the economy, and health.
On a personal level, I try to make conscious choices that reflect my commitment to sustainability, like reducing my energy consumption at home, using energy-efficient appliances, and supporting renewable energy sources where possible.
These small steps, like turning off unused devices and investing in solar energy, contribute to a larger, collective effort to reduce our carbon footprint.
In my professional capacity, working in sustainability is about the responsibility we hold for future generations. It’s not just about reducing emissions – it’s about improving health and well-being, ensuring long-term financial savings, and adapting our systems to handle future challenges.
For me, it’s inspiring to know that the work we do in renewable energy and sustainability for NHSScotland impacts more than just environmental targets – it directly influences patient care, hospital efficiency, and financial resilience.
Can you tell us a bit about your role, and how the work of your team is helping to make NHSScotland more sustainable?
As the Category Manager for Heat Purchase Agreements (HPAs) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), my role revolves around securing sustainable energy solutions for NHSScotland.
This involves negotiating long-term agreements with energy providers, ensuring that we purchase energy from renewable and low-carbon sources.
This not only reduces NHSScotland’s carbon emissions but also stabilizes energy costs and makes our healthcare facilities more resilient to energy market fluctuations.
Our team’s work plays a crucial part in the NHS’s broader sustainability goals. We’re reducing the reliance on fossil fuels by facilitating the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and local heat networks.
The energy we secure helps power and heat essential healthcare services, contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for both staff and patients – which in turn can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced operational costs over time.
We’re also looking ahead, ensuring that NHSScotland can adapt to future challenges like energy price volatility and increased demand for services. By integrating sustainability into our energy procurement, we’re future-proofing the healthcare system while delivering real-world health and wellbeing benefits today.
How can people get involved?
While the work we do around HPAs and PPAs might seem quite specialised, there are plenty of ways individuals can make meaningful changes in their own lives to support the broader goal of climate action.
One area to think about is home and work energy consumption.
Reducing energy use – whether by switching to energy-efficient appliances, insulating your home, or turning off lights and unused devices – can significantly reduce both your carbon footprint and energy bills.
For those in a position to do so, considering renewable energy sources like installing solar panels or switching to green energy providers can make an even bigger impact.
Thinking about energy in a community context is becoming increasingly important. Local heat networks and community energy schemes, for example, offer a way for neighbourhoods to share resources and reduce energy waste. Exploring whether your local community has such initiatives or if you could help start one could be a great way to get involved.
The small decisions we make about energy use at home, combined with support for broader climate initiatives, can collectively make a significant impact on national sustainability goals.
Climate action is something we can all take part in, whether by reducing energy consumption at home and work, supporting renewable energy, or simply being more conscious of how our day-to-day actions impact the environment.
Every step counts, and together, they contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.