As commissioners and a statutory body, our activities and decisions have potential to affect the resources available to us, the communities in which we function, and the wider environment.

“Sustainability” can be defined as meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow. Sustainable development ties together concern for the resource capacity of our planet's natural systems with the social and economic challenges facing society.

“Commissioning for Sustainable Development” is the process by which commissioners improve both the sustainability of an organisation, and the way it provides services and interacts with people in the community. It is about striking the right balance between the three key areas of financial, social and environmental sustainability when making commissioning decisions.

Benefits staff and patients

The CCG recognises that good maintenance and care of the environment contributes a great deal to the long term health of people, their social wellbeing and economic prosperity.

Our local strategy demonstrates the importance of sustainable development and the commitment of the CCG and its staff to ensure that we act now to promote initiatives which help us meet the challenges facing the NHS, including our legal duty to cut carbon emissions under the 2008 Climate Change Act.