Sustainable healthcare is a transformative approach that not only ensures the effective delivery of healthcare services but also aligns with the principles of planetary health. Planetary health recognises the interconnectedness of human health and the environment, emphasising that the well-being of humanity depends on the health of the Earth’s ecosystems. By reducing healthcare’s environmental impact, sustainable healthcare contributes to mitigating climate change, conserving natural resources, and safeguarding global health outcomes.
This approach addresses the urgent need for healthcare systems to operate in harmony with environmental, economic, and social priorities, paving the way for a future where healthcare not only heals individuals but also preserves the planet for generations to come.
What is Sustainable Healthcare?
Sustainable healthcare is a model designed to meet the current and future health needs of populations while minimising its environmental footprint, ensuring financial efficiency, and promoting health equity. This includes reducing carbon emissions, managing resources responsibly, and integrating environmental stewardship into all aspects of healthcare delivery. It also directly supports planetary health by addressing environmental factors that impact human health.
Examples of Sustainable Healthcare Around the World
1. Greener NHS (United Kingdom):
The NHS is leading by example with its commitment to becoming the world’s first net-zero health system by 2040. Initiatives like electric ambulances, energy-efficient hospitals, and reducing single-use plastics have already saved over £90 million annually. These efforts align with planetary health principles by mitigating climate change and improving air quality.
2. Kaiser Permanente (United States):
Achieving carbon neutrality in 2020, Kaiser Permanente invests in renewable energy, green buildings, and sustainable procurement. Their approach not only reduces their environmental impact but also saves millions of dollars annually, demonstrating that sustainability can drive financial and planetary health benefits.
3. Narayana Health (India):
By implementing lean and efficient healthcare practices, Narayana Health has reduced waste and energy use, ensuring affordable care while minimising environmental harm. Their initiatives contribute to planetary health by conserving limited natural resources.
4. South Africa’s Green Hospitals Programme:
Through solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient medical equipment, South African hospitals are addressing local health needs while reducing their carbon footprint. These practices demonstrate how sustainability can advance planetary health in resource-limited settings.
Enablers for Sustainable Healthcare
1. Strong Leadership and Policies:
Governments and healthcare leaders must adopt sustainability as a core organisational value, supported by clear policies and incentives.
2. Innovation and Technology:
Advancements such as renewable energy, energy-efficient hospital systems, and digital health tools are critical for reducing healthcare’s ecological footprint.
3. Education and Awareness:
Training healthcare professionals in sustainable practices ensures they are equipped to lead this transformation.
4. Collaboration:
Public-private partnerships and international collaborations help share best practices and pool resources for larger-scale impact.
5. Financial Investment:
Initial funding and incentives for sustainable projects can catalyse significant long-term savings and environmental benefits.
Benefits of Sustainable Healthcare
Adopting sustainable healthcare practices yields multiple benefits that align with the goals of planetary health:
1. Environmental and Planetary Impact:
• Reduced pollution and carbon emissions contribute to climate change mitigation.
• Responsible resource use helps preserve ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Improved Health Outcomes:
Cleaner air and water, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, and access to green spaces enhance public health, aligning with the planetary health approach to improving the determinants of health.
3. Financial Savings:
• Greener NHS: Annual savings of £90 million from energy efficiency projects.
• Newcastle Hospitals’ Electric Couriers: Savings of £25,000 annually, with a break-even period of less than a year.
4. Increased Resilience:
Sustainable practices make healthcare systems more resilient to climate-induced disruptions like extreme weather events or resource shortages.
5. Global Leadership:
Adopting sustainable healthcare demonstrates leadership in addressing both global health and environmental challenges.
Convincing the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare providers have a moral and strategic obligation to adopt sustainable practices. The industry must recognise its significant contribution to carbon emissions and the opportunity to lead in addressing climate and health challenges.
Key Arguments for Action:
• Protect Public Health: Reducing pollution directly benefits patient and community health.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Many sustainable practices pay for themselves within a few years, delivering long-term savings.
• Future-Readiness: Early adoption positions organisations as leaders in innovation and resilience.
• Alignment with Planetary Health Goals: Sustainable healthcare directly supports the global commitment to preserving the planet’s ecosystems for future generations.
Is There a Role for Medical Education?
Medical education plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable healthcare and planetary health:
1. Incorporating Sustainability into Curricula:
Educate medical students about the environmental impact of healthcare and equip them with the knowledge to implement sustainable practices.
2. Promoting Leadership:
Prepare future healthcare professionals to advocate for and lead sustainability initiatives within their organisations.
3. Encouraging Research and Innovation:
Support research into green healthcare innovations and evidence-based strategies to improve sustainability in clinical practice.
4. Fostering Interdisciplinary Thinking:
Bridge medical education with environmental sciences to develop holistic approaches that integrate healthcare delivery with planetary health objectives.
A Call to Action
Sustainable healthcare is no longer an option—it is an imperative for the health of both people and the planet. By adopting sustainable practices, healthcare organisations can address climate change, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes while contributing to planetary health.
The time to act is now. Leaders, policymakers, and educators must champion sustainable healthcare to ensure a resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible future. Will your organisation rise to this challenge and lead the way towards a healthier world?