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A recent study of the impact of moving inductions online at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) has shown a huge saving of more than 35 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Between March 2020 and March 2022, 6,956 new colleagues at UHB completed their corporate induction online, rather than face to face. By not travelling for an in-person induction, 36.2 tonnes of C02 emissions have been saved.

The saving is almost three times the average carbon footprint per person in the UK, equivalent to driving almost 70,000 miles in a car.

Tim Jones, Chief Innovation Officer at UHB, said: “The impact of moving inductions online is clear to see, and will make a real impact in the Trust’s plans to reduce our carbon footprint by 80% over the next 10 years.

“The positive effect on both the environment and our staff’s time are two key reasons to continue holding inductions online.

“Changes like this that reduce our carbon footprint without impacting on patient care, are a real win-win for everyone.

“I look forward to working with the learning and development team and other departments at the Trust on similar sustainability initiatives, as we look to move towards a greener future.”

The C02 saving is almost three times the average carbon footprint per person in the UK.

Other recent sustainability developments at the Trust include the first recorded net zero operation in the NHS and the award of £35 million to support projects aimed at reducing the Trust’s carbon footprint.

Karen Sharp, Head of Corporate Education and Quality, added: “By holding the inductions online, staff have been able to complete the modules in their own time, at a time to suit them.

“New starters also did not have to travel on site, which has led to an overall time saving of 289 days travel for all staff completing induction in the last two years.

“Many of our other courses are now also run online, and we look forward to calculating the savings for these in the near future.”