#Singapore #National University Hospital #Healthcare Sustainability

National University Hospital Achieves Global Milestone for Healthcare Sustainability

In a landmark achievement for healthcare and sustainability, the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore has officially become the first hospital in the world to receive the esteemed Healthcare Sustainability Certification. This significant recognition is granted by the Joint Commission International (JCI) in collaboration with the International Hospital Federation's Geneva Sustainability Centre (GSC). The certification underscores NUH's robust commitment to enhancing sustainable practices across its operational spectrum.

The announcement was made by Ms. Grace Fu, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, during the annual NUH Green Day 2025. This event is pivotal for the hospital, celebrating its ongoing environmental innovations and progress. The certification was awarded following a comprehensive evaluation that utilized the GSC’s Sustainability Accelerator Tool (SAT), which rigorously assesses various aspects, including environmental impact, governance, and health equity.

Mr. Jeremy Lee, Chief Operating Officer at NUH, articulated the hospital's drive toward sustainability by stating, "Sustainability is not a choice in healthcare. It's a responsibility... We believe that every staff member, every operating theatre, and every decision can contribute to a healthier planet." This philosophy emphasizes the interlinked nature of patient care and environmental stewardship, suggesting that enhancing one directly supports the other.

NUH's journey towards this certification reflects a proactive approach to minimizing its ecological footprint, especially in a sector known to contribute approximately 5.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, the hospital has initiated several innovative projects such as:

• - Plastic Reduction Initiatives: Through its plastic-lite movement, NUH has successfully cut plastic usage in pharmacies by over 50%, amounting to savings of nearly 600,000 plastic bags annually.
• - Eco-friendly Anesthesia: By transitioning to greener anesthetic gases, the hospital has effectively reduced carbon emissions equivalent to removing over 400 cars from the roads.
• - Energy Efficiency in Operating Theatres: Optimization of air exchange rates in these environments has led to a staggering 40% reduction in energy use.

Setting lofty environmental goals, NUH is eager to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, already achieving nearly a 30% reduction in waste while significantly boosting recycling rates since 2020. This year, they've introduced a bold goal: a 60% recycling rate by 2030.

To propel their recycling efficiency, NUH launched a nurse-led initiative called Sort-at-Source, which empowers nursing staff to segregate recyclables directly on their medication trolleys. Early trials yielded remarkable results, including a 47% rise in paper recycling and a whopping 230% increase in plastic recycling. Plans are in place to expand this initiative to all wards by the end of 2025, estimating recovery of approximately 24,000 kg of recyclables each year.

Adjunct Associate Professor Karen Koh, Chief Nurse at NUH, noted the significance of the Sort-at-Source initiative as a way to engage nurses actively in sustainability efforts without interrupting patient care. This alignment with the hospital's core mission of holistic healing demonstrates the far-reaching impact of embedding sustainable practices into healthcare frameworks.

Furthermore, NUH is raising awareness among stakeholders by redesigning recycling bin covers to facilitate correct recycling practices. This intuitive change has led to an impressive compliance rate spike, climbing from below 60% to over 95% in just one month of implementation, reinforcing a circular economy approach by upcycling existing materials.

Recognizing sustainability champions within its staff, NUH celebrated initiatives through the Incredible Care For Our Planet Awards, showcasing nine exemplary projects that have driven substantial environmental benefits. One notable project involved instituting an auto-shutdown protocol for 2,500 desktop computers, which saved 436,800 kWh annually – enough energy to cool around 243 homes daily.

These extensive sustainability measures are part of the broader National University Health System (NUHS) Green Plan Roadmap, which defines long-term strategies for reducing waste and carbon emissions. As NUH continues to forge ahead, it serves as a beacon for other healthcare institutions nationwide and beyond, setting a high bar for sustainability in the medical sector.

As Singapore's leading academic medical center, NUH remains committed to integrating research and innovation into patient care while playing an important role in shaping sustainable healthcare practices globally. This global recognition not only uplifts their advocacy for environmental responsibility but also inspires other hospitals to adopt similar sustainable practices in their operational strategies. For more information on NUH and its green initiatives, visit their official website and follow them on social media platforms.