· 3 min read
In celebration of Women’s History Month 2025, I want to highlight the groundbreaking work of the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH). As part of their larger project, Taking Collective Action to Deliver Low Carbon, Equitable Maternity Care, CSH recently launched the Green Maternity Challenge. In partnership with The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), The Royal College of Midwives (RCM), and The Sustainable Healthcare Coalition (SHC), nine NHS clinical teams from across the UK are not only advancing net zero targets but are also reimagining maternity care to be more sustainable and equitable.
An urgent call for sustainable maternity care
Women—and especially those from ethnic minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds—suffer disproportionately from the effects of energy poverty and climate change. Pregnant people and infants, among the most vulnerable, experience heightened health risks exacerbated by these environmental pressures. At the same time, maternity services themselves contribute significantly to the NHS’s carbon footprint. With over 673,000 births recorded in 2022, the cumulative environmental impact of routine antenatal and postnatal care is substantial. Addressing both environmental harm and healthcare inequalities is not optional—it is imperative for building a sustainable, equitable future.
Green maternity challenge: a model for transformation
The Green Maternity Challenge is more than a project—it is a catalyst for change. Selected clinical teams received targeted training and mentoring from CSH to design, implement, and evaluate sustainable quality improvement (SusQI) projects. These initiatives are focusing on reducing environmental harm while directly tackling health disparities. The results speak for themselves: an estimated annual saving of £860,669, a reduction of 101,263 kgCO₂e, and environmental benefits equivalent to avoiding 43 trips between London and Edinburgh or preventing 778,978 disposable nappies.The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare’s website: provides a deeper dive into the innovative work of these teams.
Collaboration for an inclusive and fairer future
The achievements of the Green Maternity Challenge remind us that sustainable solutions must be holistic. Energy, healthcare, and social justice are intertwined. We cannot address the energy crisis without tackling underlying issues of inequality and environmental harm. These initiatives must inform policy at local, regional, and national levels, embedding sustainability into every decision—from clinical trials to community health, and beyond.
Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of these teams but also the transformative potential of collective action. Let us champion these initiatives, amplify their successes, and ensure they become a permanent part of our policy landscape. By embracing a holistic approach to net zero and equitable maternity care, we build a future that is cleaner, fairer, and more inclusive.
Together, let’s continue to push for change and ensure that the voices of women are at the heart of our journey towards a sustainable future.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
