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OCTOBER , 2023 | THE HEALTH
15
• Action 3 : Expansion of Green Technology Applications
Healthcare facilities may adopt green technology in mitigating carbon emissions to better prepare for the current issue of climate change . For example , green healthcare buildings are increasingly designed to utilise renewable energy , such as thermal energy .
Leading by example , the MoH should be at the forefront of implementing internal policies to promote green technology , such as procuring renewable energy within MoH healthcare facilities and providing incentives . This will increase market demand for green technology options as governments lead this pursuit .
• Action 4 : Education and Awareness of Green Practices
Develop effective green practices and activities that create behavioural change towards practices of sustainable healthcare facilities through green policy , campaign , and awareness . Experiential learning should be introduced to users that would lead to behavioural changes in the desired direction .
The main stakeholders and relevant ministries / agencies are encouraged to develop comprehensive education and awareness programmes to ensure practical aspects of carbon-neutral healthcare facilities measures are practised at all levels .
Planning and executing effective media engagement in green practice activities would also promote CNHFB .
• Action 5 : Capacity , Skill , and Knowledge Development
Developing personnel , professionals and organisations that support the planning and implementation of carbon-neutral healthcare facilities is necessary .
Establishing detailed data sources for energy consumption and GHG emissions is required to facilitate monitoring and planning for future policy directions .
A repository of all relevant data related to the healthcare facilities sector , energy consumption and GHG emission needs to be established and made accessible to all related stakeholders to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of CNHFB .
• Action 6 : Research and Development Further research and development ( R & D ) is necessary better to understand the interplay of healthcare and climate change . This includes the future trajectory of carbon emissions , the impact on a supply chain , and the economic analysis of transitioning to implement carbon-neutral healthcare facilities .
Research institutions ( universities , private institutions , etc .) should be involved in R & D activities .
Local authorities should work closely with healthcare planners and contractors to enable them to develop viable healthcare plans that incline towards carbon neutrality . Without sufficient demand for services , investors will not be attracted to running a carbon-neutral business .
A win-win solution could be achieved with better planning and cooperation between all parties through continuous R & D The outcome of R & D will assist technology providers to accelerate the usage of green and new technologies .
COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING CARBON-NEUTRAL HEALTHCARE
MoH ’ s commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral healthcare institution is a significant step toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future . This move involves investing in climate-resilient practices , reducing carbon emissions , and improving healthcare access .
Under such an approach , MoH can become ecologically sustainable and a leading advocate for advancing environmental protection , community climate resilience and low-carbon building development .
MoH ’ s mission goes beyond healthcare ; it includes promoting fairness , reducing inequalities , improving living standards , and responsible management of resources .
To make this vision a reality , everyone in the MoH must understand and support these changes . Effective governance , coordinated actions , and consistent monitoring are crucial to success .
The MoH needs to stay dedicated to achieving sustainable healthcare and overall national development . This means continually improving , reorganising , and enhancing operational methods and procedures .
Despite challenges , the Ministry ’ s dedication to progress ensures these goals are achievable , making the nation healthier , fairer , and more sustainable . - The Health
Achieving energy savings
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THE Ministry of Health ( MoH ) has taken the initial step to embrace a clean and green environment through sustainability programmes ( SPs ) since 2015 .
These initiatives are with the realisation to build a firm foundation to spur carbon neutrality in healthcare facilities . They include :
• Energy Management ( EM )
• Green Building ( GB )
• Indoor Air Quality ( IAQ )
• Reduce , Reuse , Recycle ( 3R ) It is also important to note that few strategies under specific focus areas of the Carbon Neutral Healthcare Facilities Blueprint ( CNHFB ) have existing practices implemented via these SPs .
The SPs have been designed to ensure healthcare facilities can implement SP activities , which are meant to enhance the realisation of hospital buildings ’ costeffective measures and energy efficiency .
The ongoing strategic planning for SP revolves largely around engineering services for hospitals , which include hospital support services .
ENERGY MANAGEMENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Until 2022 , the MoH has successfully achieved energy savings of 696 GigaWatt- Hours ( GWh ), equivalent to utility cost savings of RM292 million compared to the baseline years of 2015 and 2016 , and a reduction in CO2 emissions exceeding 487,000 tonnes . Apart from that , the MoH has also been awarded various recognition by local and international bodies for the initiatives successfully implemented in MoH facilities managed to reduce its electrical energy usage significantly . Until December 2022 , MoH had saved 696GWh of electricity , equivalent to RM292 million and 487,000 tonnes of CO2 avoidance .
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Achievements and recognition by local and international bodies . ( Source - CNHFB , MoH )
GREEN CERTIFICATION ACHIEVEMENTS
Leading by example , Hospital Sultanah Maliha , Langkawi , was accorded the international Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED ) green building certification by the US Green Building Council ( USGBC ) in 2020 .
It became the first hospital in the world and also the first government building in Malaysia to be certified with Gold level status under the category of Existing Building Operation and Maintenance version
Eight hospitals under the MoH have successfully obtained a green building rating through LEED or Malaysia Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool ( MyCREST ) certification . They are :
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Hospital Sultanah Maliha in Langkawi is the 1st hospital in the world to be awarded with LEED Gold certification ( Operation & Maintenance ) year 2020 . |
LEED Platinum Hospitals
• Hospital Slim River , Perak
• Hospital Putrajaya
• Hospital Jasin , Melaka
LEED Gold Hospitals
• Hospital Sultanah Maliha , Langkawi
• Hospital Setiu , Terengganu
• Hospital Wanita & Kanak-Kanak , Sabah
• Hospital Bintulu , Sarawak MyCREST 4 STAR
• Hospital Sungai Siput , Perak MoH ’ s SP programme also covers myriad dimensions to ensure all 148 hospitals obtain green building certification by 2025 , which is part of the Hospital Support Services Concession Agreement scope .
MoH was honoured as the recipient of the USGBC Regional Leadership Award Winner 2021 in the Southeast Asia region for active involvement in implementing green building ratings in healthcare facilities .
This award recognised the exemplary leadership of individuals and organisations that contribute to developing sustainable , healthy , resilient buildings , cities , and communities .
The MoH ’ s green initiatives for smart healthcare facilities will bring a significant change towards a sustainable future in healthcare . More than ever , participation at all levels is needed to build momentum and create change across the MoH facilities .
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