The scope for radiology to contribute to the NHS net zero target: findings from a survey of radiology staff in the UK

Abstract

To assess attitudes towards the climate emergency among radiology staff and to identify current practices that may contribute towards the National Health Service (NHS) net zero target. An online survey of radiology staff was conducted assessing current attitudes to the climate emergency. Further questions focused on staff travel, home working, virtual conferences, and recycling. Two hundred and forty-two responses were received from all staff groups within radiology. There were high levels of concern about the climate emergency among radiology staff. Active travel accounts for a relatively small proportion of commuting related to provision of radiology services. Some energy-saving measures are implemented commonly in radiology departments but these are likely to account for only a small proportion of energy use within a department. There is significant scope for reducing the carbon footprint of radiology services by reducing travel, both for work and for radiology education. We discuss the potential for large savings related to energy-saving measures.