Background: Energy usage is one of the largest contributors to health care carbon emissions. By taking a strategic, targeted approach in one of the most energy-intensive units of a hospital, the potential for energy savings is real and significant.
Aim: To develop a protocol for the implementation of interventions to reduce the environmental impact of carbon emissions generated by an adult intensive care unit (AICU) in a London-based hospital setting.
Study design: In this protocol, three interventions are under exploration relating to the lighting, temperature control and ventilation systems within the AICU. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle will be used to assess the success of the implementation and make necessary refinements. This paper represents the 'Plan' stage of the PDSA cycle. After implementation, outcomes will be reviewed with the goal of scaling successful interventions within our NHS Trust and disseminating the findings to promote adoption within other Trusts.
Conclusions: The interventions under exploration in this ongoing study were selected as they can easily be implemented and scaled across ICUs nationally with potential environmental and cost-saving benefits. There are many barriers that exist and will need to be addressed when implementing the protocol. Presenting a valuable and practical path to making our goal of net zero commitments achievable is necessary.
Relevance to clinical practice: The proposal outlines a nurse-led project to reduce carbon emissions, serving as an example for implementing sustainable change within NHS practice, and contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting such initiatives.
Keywords: energy; heating; intensive care; lighting; sustainability.
© 2025 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.