The Aspen Clinic Carbon Reduction Plan

Commitment to Achieving Net Zero

The Aspen Clinic is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, in line with UK Government targets and in support of the NHS Net Zero ambition, including alignment with the NHS target to reach Net Zero by 2040 for directly controlled emissions and 2045 for supply chain emissions.

 

1. Baseline Emissions Footprint

Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions.

Baseline Year: 2025 (first year of structured measurement)

The Aspen Clinic is an independent healthcare provider delivering predominantly outpatient and community-based services. As a growing organisation, this represents the first year of establishing a formal emissions baseline.

Emissions have been calculated using UK Government greenhouse gas (GHG) conversion factors and operational activity data, with estimates applied where direct measurement is not yet available. A conservative approach has been taken to ensure emissions are not underestimated.

Baseline Emissions

Emissions Source	tCO₂e
Scope 1 (Direct emissions – e.g. fuel, company vehicles)	0.0
Scope 2 (Purchased electricity)	3.2
Scope 3 (Included sources)	12.5
Total Emissions	15.7 tCO₂e

 

2. Emissions Breakdown

Scope 1

The Aspen Clinic does not currently operate company-owned vehicles or on-site fuel combustion systems under its direct control. As such, Scope 1 emissions are currently minimal.

 

Scope 2

Scope 2 emissions relate to purchased electricity used within clinic premises.

• Energy consumption reflects low-intensity outpatient clinical activity 
• Services are delivered within efficient, small-scale clinical environments 

 

Scope 3 (Included Categories)

The Aspen Clinic has included the following relevant Scope 3 categories:

• Business travel 
• Employee commuting 
• Waste generated in operations 
• Upstream digital infrastructure (estimated) 
• Patient travel (estimated where applicable) 

Scope 3 emissions have been estimated based on staff working patterns, typical commuting distances, and patient activity levels. A conservative methodology has been applied to avoid underestimation.

As a digital-first service, Scope 3 emissions are reduced through:

• Remote consultations where clinically appropriate 
• Reduced patient travel requirements 
• Streamlined pathways reducing repeat visits 

 

3. Current Emissions Reporting

As this is the first reporting year, current emissions are aligned to the baseline.

Future reporting periods will track emissions reductions against this baseline.

 

4. Carbon Reduction Targets

The Aspen Clinic has set the following carbon reduction targets:

• Short-term (by 2028):
  Reduce emissions by 20% from baseline through operational efficiencies and service model optimisation 
• Medium-term (by 2035):
  Reduce emissions by 50% from baseline 
• Long-term (by 2050):
  Achieve Net Zero emissions 

These targets will be reviewed annually as measurement capability and organisational scale evolve.

 

5. Carbon Reduction Initiatives

The Aspen Clinic has implemented and continues to develop the following measures:

Service Model and Delivery

• Digital-first approach enabling remote consultations where clinically appropriate 
• Reduction in patient travel through virtual appointments 
• Streamlined care pathways reducing unnecessary visits 

Estates and Energy Use

• Use of energy-efficient outpatient environments 
• Monitoring of energy consumption within clinic premises 
• Commitment to adopt energy-efficient systems as services expand 

Workforce and Travel

• Hybrid working model reducing staff commuting 
• Minimisation of unnecessary inter-site travel 
• Encouragement of sustainable travel where appropriate 

Digital Infrastructure

• Paper-light systems through use of electronic patient records 
• Reduction in printing and physical documentation 
• Use of secure digital communication systems 

Procurement and Future Actions

• Consideration of environmental impact in procurement decisions where feasible 
• Commitment to engage with suppliers aligned to sustainability principles as the organisation grows 

 

6. Future Carbon Reduction Measures

The Aspen Clinic is committed to strengthening its carbon management approach and will:

• Develop more granular emissions measurement capability 
• Expand Scope 3 reporting coverage as data becomes available 
• Review estate energy efficiency opportunities 
• Explore low-carbon supplier partnerships 
• Continue aligning with NHS Net Zero guidance as part of future commissioning 

 

7. Governance and Responsibility

Responsibility for delivery of this Carbon Reduction Plan sits at senior leadership level within The Aspen Clinic.

Oversight is maintained through organisational governance structures, with carbon reduction progress reviewed periodically as part of quality, operational, and performance meetings.

This Carbon Reduction Plan will be reviewed annually and updated in line with organisational growth, improved data availability, and regulatory expectations.

 

8. Publication

This Carbon Reduction Plan will be made publicly available and updated on an annual basis in line with PPN 06/21 requirements.

 

9. Declaration and Sign-Off

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance.

Emissions have been reported and recorded in line with the required reporting standards, and the plan has been reviewed and approved by senior leadership.

Signed on behalf of The Aspen Clinic:

Name: Jesse James
Position: Managing Director
Date: 30/03/2026