On November 6, 2024, the closing ceremony of the third edition of the Sanidad #PorElClima Awards took place in Madrid. This initiative, in collaboration with GSK Spain, aims to highlight and showcase the commitment of Spanish hospitals to reducing their carbon footprint and transitioning to a more sustainable healthcare model. The awards align with the objectives of the Glasgow Climate and Health Programme (COP26) and the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) of COP27, underscoring the efforts of healthcare centers to advance towards the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, as established in the Paris Agreement.
Hospitals Recognized for Their Sustainability Initiatives
Below are the initiatives of the hospitals recognized in this edition:
- Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro (Vigo): Implemented a solar energy system with more than 5,400 photovoltaic panels, generating up to 25% of the hospital’s energy consumption. This results in a reduction of 1,500 tons of CO₂ emissions annually and significant long-term savings.
- Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca: Optimized its laundry operations by applying circular economy principles, achieving a 42% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a more efficient use of water and chemicals. Additionally, it eliminated 18 tons of single-use plastic per year.
- Hospital de Guadalajara: Replaced its diesel vehicle fleet with electric units, achieving a 100% reduction in CO₂ emissions from internal transport. This initiative is part of a broader energy efficiency and decarbonization plan.
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe: Generates solar energy through 514 photovoltaic panels and directs the resulting savings to help families in energy poverty. This model reduces environmental impact while providing tangible social benefits.
- Hospital Santa Marina: Improved the efficiency of its biomass boiler, ensuring that 30% of its energy comes from renewable sources. This measure led to a 32% reduction in emissions in just one year.
- Hospital Santa Tecla Llevant: Implemented a comprehensive decarbonization plan that includes renewable energy, optimized climate control, and reduced food waste. These efforts have significantly lowered CO₂ emissions and eliminated disposable plastics.
- Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio: Reduced its carbon footprint by 61.69% since 2017 through the installation of solar panels, recycling systems, and optimized waste management. Its commitment to sustainability serves as a model for other healthcare centers.
- Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria: Recognized for its innovative “Steriale” hospital waste management system. This system enables the on-site treatment of hazardous biosanitary waste through sterilization, converting it into conventional urban waste. With this technology, the hospital significantly reduces its carbon footprint by eliminating the need for waste transportation to external facilities, minimizing CO₂ emissions, and optimizing hospital operations. Additionally, Steriale enhances waste handling safety and reduces operating costs, providing an efficient and replicable solution for other hospitals seeking a sustainable environmental management model in the healthcare sector.
- Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal: Implemented measures to optimize electricity consumption, including LED lighting systems and improved equipment efficiency. These efforts have led to a significant reduction in annual energy consumption.
- Hospital General de Castellón: Introduced water efficiency technologies, reducing potable water waste by 40%. Additionally, it has promoted sustainable waste management through specialized recycling programs.
Steriale: Innovation in Hospital Waste Management
The Steriale waste treatment system, implemented at Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, represents a significant advancement in sustainable hospital management. Unlike traditional methods, this system safely neutralizes biosanitary waste without the need for transportation to external treatment plants, directly reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint. Additionally, Steriale minimizes biological risks associated with hazardous waste handling and offers an effective, replicable solution tailored to the needs of the modern healthcare sector.
With this distinction, Steriale reinforces its commitment to innovation in waste management, actively contributing to the decarbonization of the healthcare sector and promoting a more sustainable, safe, and efficient hospital model.
