6371 Feasibility and impact of a lift-sharing group on commuting and CO2 emissions

Objectives In 2020, the RCPCH declared a climate emergency and developed an action plan to tackle climate change. This included the ambition to 'support members to advocate for improved sustainability in their clinical work and workplaces'.¹ Cars are key emittors of CO2, with a typical passenger vehicle estimated to emit 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year.² The rotational nature of training programmes in areas where public transport is limited means commuting by car is almost inevitable. A lift sharing group was established for doctors working in paediatrics in Wexham Park Hospital (WPH) but living in and commuting from Oxford in September 2022, a journey of 38 miles each way. This group has had up to 15 active members with a mix of petrol or electric cars. We aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of this lift sharing on carbon dioxide emissions. Methods We conducted a single centre retrospective study of a lift share Whatsapp group of WPH paediatric doctors living in Oxford. We collected data over a 20-week period (01/06/23 – 20/10/23), looking at shift patterns to determine total number of lifts that would have been taken from Oxford to WPH or vice versa without the lift share group. We then identified the number of lifts shared, including whether vehicle used was petrol or electric, and then calculated an estimate of the tons of CO2 saved using the 'Myclimate' car emissions calculator. Finally, we extrapolated these 20 weeks of data to 1 year, to look at the potential annual benefits. Results The lift share group was able to coordinate lifts on 51/144 days (including weekends), resulting in 18% fewer single-journey lifts taken (186/950). This resulted in 18% less CO2 emissions (2.864 tonnes CO2), accounting for petrol and electric car use. When this data is extrapolated to 1 year, it suggests a potential saving of 437 total journeys and 7.45 total tonnes CO2. Conclusion This study demonstrates that despite on-call rotas and a relatively small number of trainees involved, frequent lift sharing is possible and has substantial effects on CO2 emissions, especially when considered over the course of the year. Further analysis of the total annual benefits is warranted. References Tackling Climate Change: Our Action Plan, RCPCH, 2020 (updated January 2022). Green Vehicle Guide, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2023.