Sustainability in the life sciences industry and why it matters

Sustainability is no longer a secondary consideration for the life sciences sector. For organisations supplying the NHS, it has become a non-negotiable imperative. With updated NHS Green Plan guidance and its ambitious Net Zero commitments, life sciences companies face increasing pressure to ensure their operations deliver value and align with environmental goals.  

At CHASE, sustainability is a core ethos that shapes our work, partnerships, and vision for the future. We’ve long been on this journey, demonstrating our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while guiding our partners to do the same.  

Why sustainability is critical for the NHS and Life Sciences

The NHS has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero emissions for the services it controls directly by 2040 and for those it influences indirectly by 2045. This progress is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about a healthier planet and healthier people. The ripple effects extend beyond the NHS, influencing every organisation in its supply chain.  

Key Initiatives of the NHS Green Plan:

• Supplier accountability: From April 2023, NHS suppliers with contracts valued over £5 million annually have had to disclose their carbon emissions and publish a detailed Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP). By April 2027, this requirement will extend to all suppliers.  
• Product Carbon footprinting: By 2028, suppliers will need to provide carbon footprint data for the products they supply.  
• Integration of sustainability in Procurement: With updated procurement policies, sustainability criteria now carry a minimum 10% weighting in all NHS tenders.

These changes ensure that sustainability is embedded into processes and outcomes, creating a collective push towards emissions reduction, innovation, and improved public health.  

For pharmaceutical, medtech and biotech companies, aligning with these requirements isn’t just about compliance. Companies that demonstrate longevity in their sustainability frameworks will identify themselves as key players to the NHS and other healthcare industry partners.  

How CHASE is responding

At CHASE, we’ve been prioritising sustainable practices for over two decades. We ensure that we contribute to a healthier planet while delivering excellent service to our clients and stakeholders. Our sustainability efforts span multiple fronts, and we’ve embraced a systematic, measurable approach to environmental responsibility.  

1. Sustainability certification with EcoVadis

We are proud to be EcoVadis certified. This annual evaluation covers a range of sustainability measures, including environmental impact, labour rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. We’ve signed up to Science Based Targets through this initiative and actively participate in the Carbon Disclosure Project.  

2. Reducing our Carbon Footprint across Operations

Sustainable fleet management: CHASE regularly upgrades our vehicle fleet to include economical, low-emission cars and the latest telematics technology, which promotes safe and efficient driving.  

Encouraging sustainable travel: Our expense policies encourage virtual meetings, rail travel over flights, and other eco-friendly practices.  

Energy efficiency in offices: We’ve invested in tools like light timers and have developed policies to reduce unnecessary energy consumption in our workspaces.  

3. Waste reduction and recycling

From recycling electronics and packaging to selecting sustainable office supplies, we ensure everything possible is reused or recycled. Marketing collateral is created with sustainable and recyclable materials as a priority.  

4. Sustainable procurement practices

CHASE prioritises suppliers with strong sustainability credentials, including sourcing eco-friendly PPE and using local suppliers to reduce transport emissions.  

5. Future initiatives on the horizon

We continually look to broaden our impact with upcoming programmes such as “Plastic Free July” and rolling out cycle-to-work schemes in 2025.  

Why sustainability matters beyond NHS compliance

At CHASE, sustainability is more than just meeting the NHS supplier roadmap requirements. It’s a fundamental value that aligns with our larger vision of creating a healthier, fairer world—not just for today but for future generations.  

The life sciences industry has a responsibility to lead by example. Sustainable practices don’t just mitigate harm to the planet; they foster trust, innovation, and cost savings. For organisations like CHASE and our partners, the benefits extend beyond compliance, creating long-term value for businesses and communities.  

Together with our partners and clients, we can take steps towards making a real difference by prioritising sustainability in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.  

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