Global Healthcare Sustainability Certification Granted to NUH as Green Initiatives Gain Traction
NUH Goes Green: Singapore's Pioneering Hospital Capes the Sustainability Crown
Singapore's National University Hospital (NUH) has outshone the global healthcare sector, earning the Healthcare Sustainability Certification from the US's Joint Commission International (JCI) and Switzerland's International Hospital Federation's Geneva Sustainability Centre. This prestigious recognition marks the first time such a certification has been awarded to an organization outside the US.
The certification celebrates NUH's tireless efforts in reducing waste, emissions, and promoting recycling, all under the keen eye of Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu. She commended NUH for setting a new standard for environmental stewardship across healthcare institutions globally.
The healthcare industry accounts for over 4% of total greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to its high energy and water consumption and waste generation. Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and research labs, demand substantial resources due to their round-the-clock operations, specialized equipment, and stringent environmental controls. Therefore, participation in climate action and environmental protection is crucial, according to Grace Fu, with the health of those under care being adversely affected by climate change and environmental degradation.
NUH's green transformation began in 2021, with a focus on environmentally friendly anaesthetic gases. Transitioning from the highly emission-intensive desflurane, NUH adopted alternatives like sevoflurane and propofol, which are significantly less harmful to the environment. This shift saved the hospital over half a million dollars and 1,904 tonnes in CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing over 680 cars from the road.
Another significant initiative involves reducing antibiotic overprescription for wisdom tooth surgeries. By implementing new guidelines, educational materials, and a tracking system, NUH reduced prescription rates and the associated emissions from pharmaceutical production. This change also saved costs and reduced the risk of antibiotic resistance.
NUH's commitment to sustainability isn't limited to clinical practices. The hospital has taken strides in recycling, with projects like the Sort-at-Source initiative. This pilot project, scheduled for rollout across all 44 NUH wards by the end of 2025, aims to boost recycling rates significantly. In just two weeks, the initiative increased paper and plastic recycling by 47% and 230%, respectively, over the previous two weeks.
NUH's sustainability journey extends to campus greening initiatives and digital transformation, including computer shutdown protocols, smart lighting, and digital medical report workflows. These pioneering efforts have not only improved the hospital's environmental footprint but also set a powerful example for the healthcare sector worldwide.
In the words of NUH Chief Operating Officer, Jeremy Lee, "Sustainability isn't a choice in healthcare – it's a fundamental responsibility to our long-term resilience." This global recognition not only validates NUH's convictions but also underscores its position as a beacon of change in the healthcare industry.
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Sustainability, Healthcare, National University Hospital
Enrichment Data:The National University Hospital's (NUH) sustainability efforts have successfully reduced their environmental footprint through the following key approaches:
- Intuitive recycling bin design
- Nurse-led Sort-at-Source initiative
- Achievable waste and emission reduction targets
- Energy conservation and operational efficiency
- Sustainable clinical practices
- Digital transformation
- Campus greening initiatives
These comprehensive and innovative measures have set a new benchmark for sustainability in healthcare institutions worldwide and have inspired broader adoption of sustainable practices within the sector. The hospital's achievements have been made possible through staff engagement, nurse empowerment, and funding from the SG Eco Fund. These groundbreaking strategies underscore the importance of sustainability in healthcare, as highlighted by NUH's Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Lee, who stated, "Sustainability only works when it includes everyone."
Science plays a pivotal role in NUH's sustainability endeavors, as they explore eco-friendly alternatives in anesthetic gases and medical practices, such as reducing antibiotic overprescription. Meanwhile, in the realm of health-and-wellness, NUH's initiatives aim at enhancing both the environmental health and the health of their patients, recognizing the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation on overall health. Furthermore, NUH's environmental-science focuses on waste reduction, energy conservation, and recycling, contributing considerably to the global fight against climate change.
