Proposal

The healthcare sector is one of the most contaminated in the world, with the United States being the second most contaminated sector. Its contribution to atmospheric pollution is significant; it is estimated that the United Kingdom contributes 25% of greenhouse gases from the public health sector, while the generation of pollutants such as carbon dioxide is 3%, compared to 8% in the United States. This results in a significant contribution to the phenomenon of climate change and its effects on the population [1]. Therefore, the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network proposes initiatives in leadership, chemicals, waste, energy, water, transportation, food, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and sustainable procurement to promote greater sustainability and environmental health in the healthcare sector, thus seeking to strengthen global health systems [2].

In Mexico, the environmental footprint generated by healthcare facilities is related to the high use of environmental such as water, energy, and food, as well as the use of chemical inputs, medications, and medical-surgical materials. Additionally, there are 111 public and private hospitals registered within the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network, of which only 43 hospitals meet the objective of water saving and reuse. Mexico Hospitals has not taken initiative on the issue, as the healthcare infrastructure comprises 4,354 hospitals, and only 2.5% of these hospitals are registered with any of the Network’s initiatives. The low participation of hospitals in Mexico can be related to the saturation of the healthcare sector, lack of personnel, lack of awareness, and scarce resources with which they operate.

In this sense, Calma Green Hospitals is an initiative that will provide consulting services to integrate hospitals into the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network. Calma aims to support healthcare institutions in Mexico with situational analysis, with methodologies like SWOT and matrix of internal and external factors, problem identification, and personalized strategies to implement and collaborate on environmental sustainable development goals. This involves creating hospitals with renewable energy systems, minimizing waste generation, and recycling water. Collaborating with healthcare institutions to achieve sustainable development goals in environmental matters and minimize the direct and indirect carbon footprint of Mexican hospitals and for future construction projects, seeking sustainable and super-efficient buildings. Finally, we would like to contribute to transforming the healthcare sector and promoting a healthy future for people and the planet. This venture supports Mexican healthcare institutions in achieving a sustainable future and collaborating in achieving SDG 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities.

[1] Rodríguez-López, J. And Herrera-Paredes, J. Overview of environmental social responsability in Mexican hospitals linked to the Global Network of Green and healthy Hospitals. Anahuac University of Mexico, 2023.

[2] Red Global de Hospitales Verdes y Saludables: https://hospitalesporlasaludambiental.org.