Travel
The NHS in Scotland is the largest single employer in the country, with approximately 160,000 staff providing healthcare services to over 20 million patients per year across various clinical settings.
Given the significant amount of planned and unplanned travel required for patient care, addressing the environmental impact of this travel is essential. To support NHS Net Zero targets, we are exploring sustainable solutions to reduce the carbon footprint associated with staff travel.
We are focusing on understanding the commuting behaviours of the majority female (70% of workforce) NHS employees and encouraging active travel as a means of meeting net zero objectives.
This theme will also explore design-led infrastructure and material choices to increase the range efficiency of vehicle fleets and promote vehicle recycling as part of NHS Scotland’s sustainability efforts.
Events, News
SHIFT Documentation
Looking back at what was captured from our SHIFT symposium, which took place at Civic House, Glasgow on the 22 April 2025 – the people, the papers, the energy and the ideas.
Shifting Reflections
In this article, SHIFT symposium co-convenors Dr. Laura MacLean and Dr. Lewis Urquhart reflect on key learnings from the SHIFT symposium, and where it might go next.
Work-in-Progress at the University of Strathclyde
Work-in-Progress Exhibition Welcomes over 50,000 Visitors
Design HOPES showcased 17 projects at V&A Dundee, all happening as part of the Green Transition Ecosystem Hub programme, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, through the Future Observatory.
‘Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet’
An interview with Prof. Paul Rodgers and Prof. Mel Woods, co-directors of Design HOPES, on Future Observatory
