Why Hospitals Have to Go Green
May 25, 2009 by Liz Lewis
Filed under Exposed!, Green Health
Hospitals and their emergency vehicles are contributing to the increasing number of asthma cases and respiratory illnesses. Not because of poor health services but because they are extremely high energy users who are creating large amounts of toxic emissions.
Given these facts, the WHO is asking hospitals to look for alternative forms of energy, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to power their facilities. Other actions that suggested include using energy-efficient light bulbs, buying organic foods, and more efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles.
Of course, some hospitals are already doing this and more in their efforts to go green and reduce costs. In fact, last year the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom did a public sector analysis of it’s carbon dioxide use. This showed their emissions at 18.6 tonnes or 3% of all carbon emissions in England in 2004.
As a result, they are looking at emission cutting processes, including offering fewer meat and dairy products to patients.
In the United States, actions are also being taken. Last week, hospital services in New York City came together and pledged to reduce their carbon footprints by 30% over the next decade.
So what’s happening in your city? Is your hospital turning green?
