Sustainability in healthcare
The healthcare sector significantly impacts the environment through CO₂ emissions, waste production, and resource consumption.
Grodenta encourages hospitals to adopt more sustainable practices with eco-friendly equipment such as the Medclair mobile nitrous oxide destruction unit,
which effectively reduces nitrous oxide emissions. This innovation contributes to lowering the ecological footprint without compromising the quality of care.
Green Deal 2023
The Green Deal 2023 marks the beginning of a new phase in healthcare sector sustainability. Building on previous successes, this initiative introduces concrete actions to reduce environmental impact. Healthcare institutions that join the Green Deal in 2023 benefit from knowledge sharing, tools, and support to achieve sustainability goals. From CO₂ reduction to circular healthcare practices, the Green Deal 2023 charts a clear course toward a greener future. Collaboration between healthcare institutions, governments, and businesses is essential for success.
Green Deal 2030
The Green Deal 2030 represents a critical milestone on the path to climate-neutral healthcare. The goal is to achieve a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a 25% decrease in residual waste by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. These tangible objectives encourage healthcare institutions to transition more rapidly to circular processes and sustainable energy sources. Additionally, knowledge development plays a crucial role, with a focus on sustainability in education and policy. The Green Deal 2030 lays the groundwork for a fully circular healthcare sector by 2050.
Green Deal 2050
The Green Deal 2050 represents the ultimate ambition: a fully climate-neutral and circular healthcare sector. This entails zero CO₂ emissions, maximum recycling, and the reuse of resources. Hospitals and other healthcare institutions will fully transition to renewable energy and emission-free technologies. Innovations, such as eco-friendly medical equipment and sustainable building materials, will become the norm. This long-term strategy demands ongoing collaboration, research, and innovation, with the Netherlands drawing inspiration from successful international examples. The Green Deal 2050 is the key to a sustainable future for healthcare and the environment.
Maternity care
The maternity care department offers many opportunities for sustainability without compromising care for mother and child. An important step is using innovative technologies, such as eco-friendly nitrous oxide sedation equipment and the Medclair mobile nitrous oxide destruction unit, to reduce harmful emissions. Nitrous oxide is commonly used during childbirth but significantly contributes to CO₂ emissions. The mobile destruction unit (MDU) safely breaks down nitrous oxide, drastically reducing its environmental impact.
Nitrous oxide sedation
Pediatrics
OIn the pediatrics department, sustainability can be enhanced through innovative solutions like filtration systems that capture and neutralize harmful anesthetic gases, such as fluranes. These gases are frequently used during surgeries or sedations for children but have a substantial climate impact. Utilizing the Medclair mobile nitrous oxide destruction unit during nitrous oxide sedation provides an effective way to reduce emissions without compromising the quality of care.
Mobile destruction unit
Emergency department (ED)
DThe emergency department is an intensive environment where the use of eco-friendly technologies can make a significant difference. Nitrous oxide and anesthetic gases are commonly used in the ED but cause considerable environmental impact. By investing in the Medclair mobile nitrous oxide destruction unit and filtration systems for harmful fluranes, hospitals can drastically reduce these emissions.
Nitrous oxide sedationWhat is sustainable healthcare?
Sustainable healthcare is about finding a balance between high-quality care and minimal environmental impact. It means delivering care that benefits both people and the planet. This includes not only energy-efficient solutions but also circular processes, sustainable construction methods, and green innovations such as eco-friendly nitrous oxide sedation.
Hospitals play a central role in sustainable healthcare, from using renewable energy and managing waste to reusing medical materials. Innovations like the Medclair mobile nitrous oxide destruction unit demonstrate how technology can reduce emissions in healthcare processes without compromising the quality of care.
De Green Deal 3.0: collaborating for sustainable healthcare
The Green Deal 3.0, running from 2023 to 2026, sets ambitious goals for the healthcare sector’s sustainability. This renewed Green Deal focuses on five key themes:
- Health promotion: Creating a healthy living environment by promoting healthier food and greener surroundings.
- CO₂ reduction: Reducing emissions by 30% by 2026 and achieving full climate neutrality by 2050. Circular Care: Maximizing material reuse and reducing waste production.
- Reducing medication impact: Minimizing pollution caused by pharmaceutical residues in water.
- Knowledge and awareness: Integrating sustainability into education and policy.
Why sustainability in hospitals is important
Hospitals are responsible for a significant share of the healthcare sector’s environmental burden. A single hospital produces an average of 430,000 kilograms of waste annually and consumes vast amounts of energy and water. Improving hospital sustainability is a priority.
A sustainable hospital:
- Reduces CO₂ Emissions: By switching to renewable energy and efficient devices.
- Saves costs: Through reduced energy and material consumption.
- Enhances patient well-being: Green environments and a focus on healthy food contribute to faster recovery.
Practical steps for sustainability in hospitals
To achieve sustainability goals, hospitals can take practical steps immediately:
- Energy savings: Install solar panels and LED lighting. Ensure energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
- Waste management: Minimize the use of disposable materials and implement an effective recycling system.
- Green construction: Use sustainable building materials and incorporate greenery into buildings, such as rooftop or indoor gardens.
- Mobility: Encourage staff and visitors to use bicycles, public transport, or electric vehicles.
Innovations in healthcare: practical examples
In the Netherlands, many initiatives showcase how sustainable healthcare works in practice:
- The green operating room: Operating rooms are traditionally among the most polluting areas of hospitals. The Green Operating Room initiative focuses on reducing waste, recycling materials, and cutting anesthetic emissions.
- Eco-friendly nitrous oxide sedation: An important innovation is the Medclair mobile nitrous oxide destruction unit, which safely and efficiently breaks down nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide has a major climate impact, but this technology enables hospitals to drastically reduce their emissions. Using such technologies aligns perfectly with the Green Deal 2030 goals.
- Sustainable Real Estate Management: Many hospitals are already developing sustainability roadmaps, as required by the Green Deal. These include plans for zero-emission energy generation, circular construction, and green renovations.
How you can contribute to sustainable healthcare
Every healthcare institution, large or small, can contribute to sustainable care. Here are some ways your organization can make a direct impact:
- Join the Green Deal 3.0: By participating in the Green Deal, your organization commits to clear sustainability goals and gains access to valuable knowledge and tools.
- Innovative Technologies: Consider implementing the Medclair mobile nitrous oxide destruction unit to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
- Education and awareness: Ensure staff are well-informed about sustainable choices and how to apply them in daily work.
- Collaboration: Share knowledge and experiences with other healthcare institutions to achieve faster progress.
Green deal 2030: a stepping stone toward climate-neutral healthcare
The Green Deal 2030 marks an important milestone in healthcare sustainability. By that year, the healthcare sector must have made significant progress in CO₂ reduction, waste minimization, and circular operations. Concrete goals include:- A 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to 2018.
- A 25% reduction in unsorted residual waste by 2026, as preparation for fully circular care by 2050.
Green Deal 2050: The future of sustainable healthcare
The Green Deal 2050 represents the ultimate goal: a fully climate-neutral and circular healthcare sector. By 2050, hospitals and other healthcare institutions will:
- Emit no CO₂.
- Operate fully circularly, with maximum recycling and resource reuse.
- Rely entirely on renewable energy.
International examples demonstrate that these goals are achievable. In Scandinavia, for instance, hospitals are already operating nearly fully circularly and powered by green energy. This progress serves as inspiration for Dutch healthcare institutions.