At the global level, the decarbonization of the healthcare sector is being coordinated by countries around the world. World Health Organization (WHO) COP26 Health Programwas launched at the COP26 Climate Summit in November 2021. Under this program, countries from all regions of the world (including the US, UK and some European countries) are committed to developing climate-resilient, low-carbon and sustainable healthcare systems. and facilities. All participating countries must commit to develop an action plan or roadmap by a set deadline to establish a sustainable low-carbon healthcare system (including supply chains). The system also takes into account the role that the health sector can play in human exposure and reduction of exposure to air pollution. Combat air pollution through its activities and actions.
More than 60 counties have now committed (at the government level) to reduce emissions from their health systems. This article briefly considers how such efforts are taking shape in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Europe
The EU has set an ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 (european green deal). However, the specific role of the healthcare sector in addressing carbon neutrality is rarely discussed at EU level. Nevertheless, several European Member States have made concerted efforts to decarbonise the healthcare sector.
- Ireland: Irish Health Service Executive (“HSE”) announced Climate change strategy for 2023-2050 (“strategy”). HSE aims to reduce carbon emissions and become an environmentally and socially sustainable healthcare service. To achieve this goal, the strategy includes six priority focus areas: sustainable buildings and green environment, transport and mobility, sustainable procurement, greener models of healthcare, water and waste management, adaptation and resilience) and 10 corresponding interrelated strategies. the goal.
- Netherlands: Signed by a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, healthcare organizations, health insurers and businesses. Green Deal on sustainable medicine (“Green Deal”). Under the Green Deal, all parties, in particular he commit to achieving sustainable healthcare by reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 2018. The Green Deal sets out specific commitments to reach that goal. For example, as of 2023, a healthcare provider with over 100 employees will identify CO2 emissions from staff travel, reduce those CO2 emissions, and make these travels more sustainable. A move plan should be developed that includes goals and measures to
- Belgium: of Green Deal Sustainable Care is a voluntary agreement between the Flemish government and several private medical partners. One of the goals of the agreement is to reduce carbon emissions, use materials more sparingly and circularly, produce less waste, reduce the presence of medicines in Flemish waterways, and contribute to both climate and well-being. The natural environment surrounding and on the site that contributes to
England
In the UK, decarbonisation of the healthcare sector is mandated by government policy and the National Health Service (“NHS”) and all major suppliers to its organisations, are committed to achieving net zero through the following publications: A detailed description of the action is required. Carbon Reduction Plan (“CRP”).
CRP requirements arise for the following reasons: Procurement Policy Note 06/21 (PPN 06/21), effective September 30, 2021. PPN 06/21 applies to all central government ministries, their executive agencies, and non-ministerial public bodies when procuring goods, services or work at anticipated contract values. over £5 million a year.
The CRP must be prepared by the bidding supplier in accordance with detailed government guidance and published on the supplier’s website prior to being eligible for selection. The CRP should include (among other things):
- A signed declaration confirming the supplier’s commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest.
- Details of emissions from sources that fall within the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Scope 1 and 2, and a defined subset of Scope 3 emissions.and
- Details of environmental management measures applicable at the time of contract issuance.
Businesses operating in the UK healthcare sector must comply with the requirements of PPN 06/21 in order to obtain a major NHS contract.
America
Unlike the UK, the US government has not mandated decarbonization in the healthcare sector. Nevertheless, the Biden administration called Government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this sector have attracted attention, and recent government efforts have drawn attention among countries. member of parliament, Medical association, healthcare systems, and other healthcare-related companies. Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services Asked Stakeholders should participate in initiatives to improve the sector’s carbon footprint. By joining this initiative, stakeholders have pledged to the organization to halve their emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, pledgers committed to comply with other mandates, such as public reporting of progress and the development of climate resilience plans.
Proponents believe the sector will face an uphill battle to meet the administration’s ambitious goals, given the carbon footprint of electricity generation, without broader action. However, U.S.-based organizations looking to reduce their carbon emissions have a number of options, from analyzing supply chain carbon inventories to assessing eligibility for government incentives such as government incentives. Opportunity exists. Inflation Control Act 2022. Such organizations may also want to assess whether a framework for resilience to climate change needs to be established.
Whether through voluntary commitments or mandated by legal obligations, the healthcare sector around the world is being forced to decarbonise. While it remains to be seen how the healthcare sector will decarbonize for many countries, we encourage companies operating in the sector to consider taking the following steps: It is recommended.
- Consult legal counsel to determine how your organization currently stands within applicable existing laws and regulations.
- Consider developing carbon-aware best practices that can be implemented in the short and long term.and
- Assess whether your organization is subject to national, state or local policies that create significant incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
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