Environmental sustainability: a brighter future with greener hospitals

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Levina Kulembeka, a 24 year old medical student in her fifth year at the University of KCMC in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

As time goes by in this growing world, climate change continues to pose a significant threat to health. The list goes on. According to WHO, globally healthcare accounts for about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This means that without action predicted global emissions from healthcare will be equivalent to emissions from approximately 12.6 billion cars. Therefore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a key step in promoting a healthier environment. Addressing this issue is not just a public statement but a recognition to each and everyone to take actions.

Healthcare facilities, including pharmaceuticals, are responsible for 4.4% of global greenhouse gas globally. Health outcomes related to climate change include zoonosis, non communicable diseases, water borne, heat related illnesses, respiratory illnesses, vector borne diseases, malnutrition and foodborne diseases. Therefore the role of greener hospitals plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability, Studies have shown that greener hospitals improve patient outcomes, reduce operating costs and enhance staff satisfaction.

The role of healthcare institutions in environmental stewardship and sustainability is important. In order to implement greener hospitals, healthcare institutions need to identify the problem, create a path and implement the solution since the consequences of gas emissions poses a significant threat if ignored. 

The key implementation strategies involve water conservation strategies, waste management, disposal of medical and biohazard waste, air control initiatives, energy saving technology, water conservation initiatives, The overall advantages include reduced gas emissions, improved air quality, better waste disposal and good health. Also funding

In the current world the use of technology can’t be forgotten. The use of digital technology to improve health is very important The use of technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, telemedicine, electronic health management systems, This also goes hand in hand with community engagement, government, stakeholder engagement, private sectors and healthcare organizations to work in collaboration to tackle global green gas emissions for a safer environment.

According to the Global Green Hospital report 2024 highlighted achievements and milestones towards different hospitals implementing environment sustainability. In Spain, Galician health service (SERGAS) deployed electric ambulances for patient transfers, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 80% hence demonstrating economic and environmental benefits of sustainable transport. 

In Egypt, Al-Ramad Hospital implemented energy and water efficiency measures, achieving digital transformation, reduced paper consumption and sustainable waste management. These are tremendous milestones and formidable efforts towards achieving greener hospitals showcasing successful sustainability projects and programs implemented by healthcare institutions worldwide. 

The call towards greener hospitals is a public health alert to everyone to take action. Green hospitals play a fundamental role in healthcare facilities since they are the foundation of environmental sustainability. We live in an environment where climate change is growing day by day leading to detrimental effects to the planet. Hence, by prioritizing greener hospital  initiatives to tackle these challenges we are creating a better world for everyone. Let us take a step towards promoting a greener future. 

About the author

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Levina Kulembeka, a 24 year old medical student in her fifth year at the University of KCMC in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.