Hospitals in climate protection: Study shows success strategies!

Hospitals in climate protection: Study shows success strategies!

A current study by the University of Witten/Herdecke shows how German hospitals can advance their climate protection strategies. Research under the direction of Prof. Dr. Sabine Bohnet-Joschko and doctoral student Lara Schmidt illustrates the decisive influence of strategic leadership and effective communication through the hospital management on the success of these measures. Committed hospitals are not only large energy consumers in healthcare; They also contribute significantly to the greenhouse gas emissions. Various types of hospitals were identified in a nationwide online survey, which vary in their approach to climate protection.

The analysis has shown four groups: "ambitious newcomers", which usually have little strategic orientation, and "well -positioned professionals", in which climate protection is already institutionally anchored. The latter are characterized by clear responsibilities, regular communication and comprehensive strategic sustainability management. In order to motivate employees, it is essential for the management level to prioritize climate protection measures and communicate transparently.

climate protection in healthcare - the status quo

An investigation by the German Hospital Institute proves the need for action in the area of ​​climate protection. The study, which was initiated at the 93rd Health Ministers' Conference, to create Valide's data about resource consumption in hospitals, offers a deep insight into the climate and energy-relevant aspects of German hospitals. 263 hospitals took part in the representative survey and covered central subject areas such as energy management, waste management and heat supply.

The results show that many hospitals have already taken climate and energy-relevant measures, but there is considerable unused potential, especially in energy and power supply. Each second facility sees the need for action in heat supply. In order to achieve climate neutrality, extensive investments are necessary, since the health sector is also responsible for around 5 % of the national greenhouse gas emissions.

urgency and goals for the future

The 125th German Medical Day has underpinned the urgency of the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the healthcare system and demands the achievement of climate neutrality by 2030. The delegates urgently appeal to decision -makers to create legal framework conditions and to name the air conditioner. Central measures should include the resource -saving use of substances and the replacement of climate -damaging anesthetic gases.

The debate about climate protection in healthcare is not only important, but also comprehensive. The initiatives include measures for low -emission mobility, the use of modern means of communication and a sustainable orientation in the canteens. In order to achieve these goals, a clear commitment of all health care system is indispensable.

The challenges in climate protection are huge, but the current studies offer a solid basis for the strategic anchorage of climate protection in everyday clinical practice. The clear request to all actors in the healthcare system is to make concrete contributions to climate protection and to secure sustainable care.

Further information on the study can be found in the article by Schmidt and Bohnet-Joschko on Plos one .

For a detailed overview of the status quo of climate protection in German hospitals, visit the website of the German hospital institute To find out German doctor's day, read the article in .