Towards Net Zero: what does a green health system look like?
The health sector plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 5% of European greenhouse gas emissions. This makes the decarbonisation of health systems and healthcare a critical priority in the fight against climate change.
The healthcare sector has a unique responsibility to promote sustainable practices and reduce its carbon footprint. Decarbonisation involves reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that result from healthcare-related activities, such as energy consumption, transportation, waste management, and procurement. The ultimate goal of decarbonisation is to achieve net-zero emissions, where the amount of emissions produced is balanced by the amount of emissions removed from the atmosphere.
One approach to decarbonisation is through the implementation of circular economy principles. This approach focuses on reducing waste and reusing resources to reduce the overall environmental impact of healthcare.
Public procurement plays a crucial role in decarbonisation. Healthcare institutions can use their purchasing power to promote sustainable practices and reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains. For example, choosing suppliers who use renewable energy sources or who produce low-carbon products can significantly reduce the environmental impact of healthcare. By implementing circular economy principles, optimising care pathways, promoting digital transformation, and using public procurement to promote sustainable practices, healthcare institutions can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier future for all.
Inspired by the Champalimaud Foundation’s sustainability strategy, hospital leaders, policymakers, and purchasers will gather to share pioneering initiatives and partnerships to reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint.
Do not miss the session ‘Towards Net Zero: what does a green health system look like?’ with Mr Peter Vullinghs, Market Leader Europe at Philips; Dr João Silveira Botelho, Vice President of the Champalimaud Foundation; Mr Andrea Celli, Managing Director Italy, Israel and Greece at Philips; and Dr Dimitra Panteli, Programme Manager at the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. The session is moderated by Ms Anett Ruszanov, Director of Policy and Programmes at EHMA.
Check out the #EHMA2023 programme here and discover the over 50 sessions we have this year. Don’t miss your chance to attend EHMA 2023 – book your spot before Friday, 26 May here.