The HSE’s Climate Action Strategy aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and provide healthcare that is environmentally and socially sustainable. It has obligations to achieve this under the government’s climate action plans.
The healthcare sector accounts for nearly 5% of global emissions, and in Ireland, our hospitals and clinics contribute significantly to carbon output. Climate change also increases health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Action already taken by the HSE includes:
- 150 significant energy-using healthcare sites are reducing energy use with support from HSE Capital and Estates Energy Officers.
- 12 sites implementing nitrous oxide mitigation strategies.
- 36 laboratories working towards ‘My Green Lab’ accreditation.
A HSE spokesperson urged staff that small changes in their daily routine could help – turning off equipment when not in use, reducing single-use plastics and walking or cycling instead of driving short distances.
“To show leadership and commitment we should integrate sustainability into our:
- buildings and the green environment
- transport and mobility
- procurement
- greener models of healthcare
- water and waste management
- adaptation and resilience (increasing resilience of critical infrastructure and resources)
“To implement our strategy on reducing our carbon footprint we will collaborate and work together with staff, public sector colleagues, patients, partners and communities.
“The Climate Action Programme is responsible for implementation of the strategy. The implementation involves embedding sustainability into our ways of working across the health service. The programme office provides support, guidance, tools, and track improvement measures to help achieve implementation.”
HSE Climate Action Strategy 2023 -2050 (PDF, 1.4 MB, 64 pages)
