ZMOVE working with Newcastle hospital bosses to cut carbon

An e-cargo company is helping hospital bosses lower a health trust’s carbon footprint.

Newcastle-based ZMOVE is trialling a bike courier delivery scheme with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Bosses say they expect the pilot to replace nearly 500 miles of carbon-based transport with ZMOVE’s greener alternative.

Newcastle Hospitals declared a Climate Emergency and their mission to become carbon neutral by 2040, making them the first NHS Trust – and the first health organisation in the world – to do so.

The NHS is currently responsible for 40 per cent of public sector emissions in the UK, with the transport industry accounting for 33 per cent of the UK’s carbon footprint.

Nick Mason, ZMOVE director, said: “The team are delighted with the opportunity to demonstrate what e-cargo bike logistics can offer such a crucial institutional sector.

“Our quick, quiet, clean fleet offers an affordable and available solution to address the climate emergency and local air quality crisis.”

James Dixon, head of sustainability at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We are committed to influencing a modal shift to more active and sustainable methods of travel for our staff, patients, goods and service.

“In doing so, we will be improving local air quality, as well as meeting our climate emergency challenge by driving down carbon emissions.

“It’s exciting to partner with an innovative local company aligned to our core values of health and sustainability.”

Newcastle Hospitals’ announcement follows a series of local green initiatives, which include the city council’s Clean Air Zone proposals, Newcastle University’s Net-Zero CO​2​ Emissions by 2040 declaration, and Newcastle’s Smart City of the Year award.