The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

Net Zero

Towards a Net Zero NHS: The Role of Prosthetics and Orthotics

Climate change is one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. As healthcare professionals, prosthetists and orthotists are uniquely positioned to contribute to a more sustainable NHS. All four UK health services have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions, acknowledging the need for environmentally sustainable healthcare practices.

What Does Net Zero Mean?

Achieving ‘net zero’ means balancing the amount of carbon emissions produced with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. NHS England and NHS Scotland have both committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. NHS Wales has outlined 46 specific initiatives in its Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan, while NHS Scotland is guided by its Climate Emergency & Sustainability Strategy.

Given that the NHS is responsible for around 50% of all public sector carbon emissions, there is a tremendous opportunity—and responsibility—for us to lead change.

Understanding Emissions in Healthcare

Carbon emissions in the healthcare system fall into two categories:

– Direct emissions: Activities we control, such as reducing single-use plastics, managing waste, conserving energy, and optimising departmental operations.
– Indirect emissions: Those generated from the wider NHS supply chain, including transportation of medical devices, manufacturing emissions, and delivery packaging.

Practical Actions in Prosthetics and Orthotics

As part of the Allied Health Professions (AHP) group—the third-largest clinical workforce in the NHS—prosthetists and orthotists can lead the way in sustainable innovation. Here are steps you can take:

In Your Clinical Practice

  • Evaluate the use of single-use plastics in your workshop or clinic. Identify areas where reusable alternatives could be adopted.
  • Assess product recyclability. Can your clinical consumables or components be sourced from sustainable suppliers?
  • Review supplier practices. Choose manufacturers with clear sustainability credentials and environmentally responsible packaging.
  • Enquire whether your supplier(s) have hybrid or electric vehicles for deliveries?
  • Consolidate deliveries and collections to reduce travel emissions
  • Embrace technology where it can reduce your carbon footprint
  • Utilise virtual consultations where appropriate to reduce travel emissions.
  • Switch to LED lighting and power-saving equipment modes in your department.
  • Donate used prosthetic and orthotic devices to charities collecting for developing countries

In Your Workplace Habits

  • Use reusable mugs, cutlery, and containers.
  • Choose fresh, unpackaged food where possible.
  • Turn off equipment and lights when not in use.
  • Explore active or shared travel options to work.

In Manufacturing and Fabrication

  • Promote materials that are more environmentally friendly or offer a lower carbon footprint.
  • Minimise waste during the fabrication process by improving efficiency and recycling offcuts where possible.

Case Studies and Inspiration

Greener AHP week is Monday 31st March to Friday 4th April. 
Greener AHP Week 2025 is a week-long initiative within the NHS focused on raising awareness about the environmental impact of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) practices, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable methods in their work, and promoting the link between climate change and public health.

This year we want to shine a light on prosthetics and orthotics manufacturers and services and how they play a part in sustainability in P&O. Please see the below posters sharing how different manufacturers and services are working towards a greener tomorrow. Thank you to all who took part.

Services

BAPO Poster Orthotics Green posterDownload
Laura Barr AHP Careers Fellowship PosterDownload
Sustainability in Orthotics -AHDownload

Companies

Your Role as a Prosthetist or Orthotist

We are a vital part of the NHS. Your insights and innovations can help shape a greener future—not just for your department, but across the wider health system. If you have an idea or sustainability initiative, share it with your line manager or professional body. Collective action leads to systemic change.

Get Involved and Stay Informed

Share Your Sustainability Success

Have you implemented a sustainable change in your prosthetics or orthotics service? We’d love to hear from you!

Email your ideas and experiences to: Enquiries@BAPO.com

Together, we can create a more sustainable NHS—one service user, one clinic, and one innovation at a time.