JHCMoments
Our Inaugural Public Healthcare Sustainability Symposium
On 22 April, amidst the global call for environmental action, NUHS hosted the Inaugural Public Healthcare Sustainability Symposium on Energy & Water Efficiency at NTFGH Auditorium. The event served as a critical platform for addressing the pressing issues of climate change within the healthcare sector.
With healthcare accounting for over 4.4% of net global climate emissions, urgent attention and actions are imperative. NUHS, at the forefront of the "GreenGov.SG" initiative, has been championing sustainability measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy savings, and improving water efficiency. These efforts, aligned with Singapore's Green Plan 2030, have already resulted in significant energy savings and reductions in CO2 emissions.
The symposium, themed "𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨, 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙩" brought together stakeholders from across the public healthcare landscape, including MOH Holdings, national healthcare clusters, government bodies, and private entities. Gracing the occasion was Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State from the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Transport, along with other distinguished speakers in sustainability, energy, and water management.
Attendees gained invaluable insights into practical strategies for making healthcare operations more environmentally friendly. COO Ng Kian Swan, who also chairs the NUHS Energy and Water Taskforce, emphasised the importance of collective action, stating, "Through continuous improvement and by engaging our patients, staff, service providers, and vendors to collaboratively chart a course towards zero emissions, healthcare can set an example while influencing and accelerating change in other sectors. In doing so, we contribute to a healthier planet, a healthier society, and better health outcomes."
Looking ahead, NUHS has set cluster-wide goals for 2030, aiming to achieve the BCA Green Mark: 2021 standard for existing buildings and obtain Super Low Energy (SLE) building certification. These efforts are projected to achieve substantial energy savings, further solidifying NUHS's commitment to sustainability.
In conclusion, the Inaugural Healthcare Sustainability Symposium reinforced the urgent need for action and the collective responsibility of the healthcare sector in addressing the climate crisis. With steadfast commitment and collaborative efforts, NUHS and its partners are paving the way towards a more sustainable future for healthcare and the planet as a whole.
Find out more about the symposium here.