The South West Public Health Training Programme (SWPH) has drafted the first UK training programme sustainability policy and action plan to guide its work in promoting environmental sustainability and public health. The policy outlines key actions like using video conferencing to reduce travel, implementing sustainable catering and procurement, and conducting annual carbon audits. It aims to embed sustainable practices in all training activities and engage partners to promote the relationship between health and environmental sustainability.

1. Sustaining a Healthy South West Policy and Action Plan The South West Public Health Training Programme (SWPH) recognises its regional responsibility towards a healthier low-carbon future. SWPH has drafted the first UK training programme sustainability policy and accompanying action plan . Guiding Principles Committed to the NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy Sustainable programme planning and policy development Collaborate with partner organisations and academic institutions on innovative projects Promote relationship between the natural and built environments and human health Key Actions Video-linked trainings and teleconferences Virtual journal club Sustainable catering and procurement Reduced single user car travel Routine carbon audits Annual policy review and trainee tutorials

2. A clear focused message ... Public Health Training Programmes are an important vehicle through which to promote sustainable development at local, regional and national levels. S ustainable development is fundamental to ensuring a healthy population, social and economic progress, and preservation of our natural resources for generations to come. Sustainable development offers huge synergies with health improvement, health inequalities, emergency planning, communicable diseases and obesity. For example, the availability of healthier travel options can promote physical activity and lower emissions to simultaneously tackle obesity and poor air quality. Without sustainable development, the impact of c limate change on global health will worsen. Within the UK the implications may include excess summer deaths, disease outbreaks, increased migration and severe weather events such as flooding ( FPH, 2009 ). )

3. Pleasing to the eye Following the images counter clockwise from the top right corner, the viewer will see the major causes of climate change and the impact upon our planet and human population. As the images progress up the right side, we see the simple everyday ways that public health training programmes across the country can reduce their carbon usage and promote healthier lifestyles!

4. SWPH is committed to embedding sustainable development in all training activities across the region. Our policy provides a framework to which all public health trainees, supervisors and programme employees should adhere. We will strive to incorporate sustainability measures into all aspects of our NHS and academic work. We will engage with partner organisations to promote the relationship between the natural and built environments and human health. We will strive to embody approaches to public health that enhance community well-being, including physical and mental health, prosperity, social development and preservation of natural resources. We encourage others towards sustainable development to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. South West Public Health recognizes its responsibility and potential to minimize the effects of climate change

5. All Public Health competencies Sustainable development can only be achieved through collaborative, multi-agency efforts across governments, public health agencies, academic institutions and local communities. As such, there are endless opportunities in all competency areas for public health professionals to become involved in promoting, developing, implementing and evaluating sustainability projects.