The healthcare sector has a substantial environmental footprint, accounting for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. From energy-intensive hospital operations to pharmaceutical waste, our current healthcare model is unsustainable. We urgently need to make changes and choices in our operations and clinical practices to deliver exceptional care in a manner that ensures the well-being of both present and future generations. As climate change accelerates, the healthcare system will be challenged both by increased demand and an impaired ability to respond, facing health impacts like heat stress, water contamination, and emerging diseases.
Driving sustainability in healthcare is challenging, from overcoming entrenched habits and processes to managing complex supply chains. Rising demand, growing workloads and infrastructure expansion also compound our carbon burden.
To chart a greener course, NUHS is taking steps to transform our clinical practices, operations and infrastructure. We aim to embed sustainability and resilience within our healthcare system, to ensure that NUHS can effectively serve future generations in a changing environment.
The cornerstones of our efforts are:
Pioneering Sustainable Models of Care
Driving Healthcare Energy and Water Efficiency
Building a Healthcare Circular Economy
Green Procurement
Built Environment Adaptation and Resilience
