Barnet's mental health trust is putting the planet first as records show it is on track to meet ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions by a third.

It is likely Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust will continue to achieve the Government’s goal for the NHS to slash carbon dioxide emissions by 2020.

The mental health trust is amongst 90 others which were on course to meet the target in 2017/18 – which leaves more than 60 per cent failing to take their responsibilities seriously, the shadow health secretary claimed.

John Mills, BEH’s director of estates and facilities, is “pleased and reassured” by their performance.

He explained the trust has reduced its CO2 emissions by 23 per cent since 2013.

He said: “We’ve also designed sustainability and low carbon usage into our new development - most notably with the state-of-the-art mental health facility at St Ann’s which will open next summer.

“We recognise a clean, healthy environment, which promises a sustainable future, can help improve mental health.

“That’s why we’ve developed specific initiatives in our healthy transport and sustainable development management plans, including reviewing car parking and working with the London Wildlife Trust to improve open spaces.”

Under the Climate Change Act, trusts were tasked to cut emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, supported by reductions of 34 per cent by 2020, and 50 per cent by 2025.

Despite this, a quarter of the 232 trusts included in the latest NHS records are not on track to meet the objectives, Newsquest’s Data Unit discovered.

46 per cent also still need a healthy transport plan, including the London Ambulance Service.

The trust admitted its fleet causes most of its carbon footprint.

By 2050, all vehicles in the service’s fleet should be zero emission capable.

“We have ambitious aims to reduce the environmental impact of our service while improving our patient care and helping improve the health of Londoners,” an ambulance spokesman said.

“This includes a robust fleet strategy where we’re modernising our fleet, replacing the oldest and least efficient vehicles, and moving to progressively lower emission engines with new vehicles meeting London’s ultra-low emission standards.”

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Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party. Photo: UGC

One politician asked the public to remember the “intense financial pressure” the NHS is under.

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, added: “Many of the costs imposed on the NHS come from our unhealthy society.

“Cleaner air and more encouragement of active transport will improve health and reduce the need for treatment of ill health.

“Funding and political support for energy efficiency measures will also cut the NHS’ costs. What’s needed is political will, and funding, from the top.”