The Ministry of Health ’ s Carbon Neutral Healthcare Facilities Blueprint steers healthcare facilities on a sustainable path towards carbon neutrality
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THE HEALTH | OCTOBER , 2023
| Issue |
Committed to achieving carbon-neutral healthcare
The Ministry of Health ’ s Carbon Neutral Healthcare Facilities Blueprint steers healthcare facilities on a sustainable path towards carbon neutrality
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
THE need for comprehensive strategies to combat climate change has never been more urgent in the face of escalating global carbon emissions . Healthcare facilities , although essential for our wellbeing , also have a sizeable impact on carbon emissions .
It is irrefutable that the health sector significantly contributes to global carbon emissions . As the most energy-intensive publicly funded buildings , hospitals emit approximately 2.5 times more greenhouse gases ( GHGs ) than commercial buildings . They are responsible for around four to five per cent of worldwide GHG emissions .
With this significant contribution to GHGs , the healthcare sector has a critical role in climate change mitigation . In recognising its responsibility , the Ministry of Health ( MoH ), has taken a pioneering step by envisioning the Carbon Neutral Healthcare Facilities Blueprint ( CNHFB ) 2021-2050 , designed to transform healthcare into a sustainable , carbon-neutral sector .
The blueprint , launched in March 2023 by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa , reflects the MoH ’ s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and aligns with the Malaysian government ’ s aspiration to become a
CNHFB Focus Areas .
Potential source of global warming produced by healthcare sector . ( Source - CNHFB , MoH ) carbon-neutral nation by 2050 .
The primary objective is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions while improving climate resiliency . These efforts will not only result in substantial reductions in carbon emissions but can often lead to enhanced patient care , staff satisfaction , and cost savings .
Reducing the GHG emissions of healthcare facilities requires direct action and radical reform to reduce waste and energy use . As such , a holistic approach for all MoH healthcare facilities is necessary to ensure the goal of carbon-neutral healthcare facilities can be realised .
CARBON NEUTRAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES BLUEPRINT
The CNHFB sets the stage for MoH ’ s long-term mitigation planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions . It envisions creating safe , sustainable , and future-proof healthcare facilities that align with sustainability principles .
In addition , it is set to determine the best options towards achieving carbon neutrality without compromising the best healthcare services provided to the people .
Henceforth , a total of four focus areas were identified in this blueprint to spearhead MoH initiatives towards carbonneutral healthcare facilities aspiration :
• Focus Area 1 : GHG Emission Reduction and Low Carbon Building : This aspect concentrates on implementing energyefficient strategies , green technology adoption , and environmentally friendly products . These measures are crucial to address rising energy consumption and subsequent GHG emissions .
• Focus Area 2 : Safe and Comfort Environment : Ensuring an indoor environment with high air quality , acoustic comfort , thermal control , efficient lighting , and green materials is pivotal for patient comfort and well-being .
• Focus Area 3 : Green and Smart Building : The blueprint encourages designing and renovating healthcare facilities with smart technology solutions that interact intelligently with the environment and users while conserving resources .
• Focus Area 4 : Carbon Neutral Facility : Transitioning to renewable energy sources , designing sustainable sites and landscapes , and preserving ecosystems and biodiversity are fundamental to achieving carbon neutrality .
SIX STRATEGIC ACTIONS FOR CARBON-NEUTRAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
The CNHFB also introduces six strategic actions that lay a strong foundation for the transformation of healthcare facilities :
• Action 1 : Strengthening Institutional Framework
Establishing a dedicated national-level committee for CNHFB and Action Plan Implementation will determine the direction of policies related to green and sustainable practices and approve carbonneutral healthcare facility action plans .
A Steering Committee ( SC ) acts as an advisory body and shall fulfil the coordination role between MoH facilities . It is responsible for establishing and implementing policy , strategising the achievement plan and programme formulation , and monitoring and evaluating necessary improvements in achieving carbon-neutral healthcare facilities .
The SC members should represent the main stakeholders with a vested interest in the success of carbon in healthcare facilities .
• Action 2 : Sustainable Financing Initiatives
Adopting sustainable financing , smart partnership , and conducive economic instruments such as Energy Performance Contracting ( EPC ), Power Purchase Agreements ( PPA ), or Supply Agreements with Renewable Energy ( SARE ) will encourage companies to invest in green energy , energy-efficient equipment , and emerging new technology .
While this would incentivise healthcare facilities to utilise more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient machines and equipment , the investor would also benefit from incentives such as the Green Technology Financing Scheme ( GTFS ) for users and producers of green technology , Green Investment Tax Allowance ( GITA ) Services and Green Income Tax Exemption ( GITE ). These incentives are proposed to apply to all companies contributing toward carbon-neutral healthcare facility goals .