DECARBONISATION
but also increases the vulnerability of hospitals to fluctuations in fuel prices and supply disruptions. The combustion of natural gas and
other fossil fuels for heating and power generation in hospitals leads to significant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other GHGs. These emissions contribute to climate change, which in turn affects human health by increasing the frequency and severity of heatwaves, storms, and other extreme weather events. The healthcare sector, with its mission to protect health, is thus in contradiction by contributing to a major health threat through its reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel use The environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel use in hospitals are significant. According to the WHO, climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. The main cause of climate change is the increasing concentration of GHGs, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. Human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have greatly increased these concentrations, leading to rapid and unprecedented warming of the planet. These gases trap heat from the sun and warm the Earth’s surface, resulting in rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and shifts in the availability of clean water, air, and other resources. Climate change also worsens air quality and increases health conditions such as respiratory diseases and heat-related illnesses. The combustion of fossil fuels releases
a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx sulfur dioxide (SO2
), ), and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can have direct harmful effects on human health, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and exacerbating conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hospitals, being centres for health and healing, should lead by example in reducing their environmental impact. By transitioning to all-electric systems and eliminating on-site combustion of fossil fuels, hospitals can significantly reduce their emissions of both greenhouse gases and air pollutants. This will not only help mitigate climate change but also improve air quality and public health in the communities they serve.
Goals and mandates for decarbonisation in the healthcare sector Recognising the urgent need for action, various organisations and governments have set ambitious goals for decarbonisation. The White House-HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge, launched in
IFHE DIGEST 2025
the spring of 2022, is a voluntary commitment to reduce emissions and improve climate resilience. Signing organisations agree to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The healthcare sector, accounting for 8.5 per cent of U.S. emissions, plays a crucial role in advancing these goals. This commitment aligns with President Biden’s aim to reduce nationwide greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 per cent by 2030 and reach net- zero emissions by 2050.
Decarbonising hospitals is an essential step towards a low- carbon future
In addition to national goals, various
US states and municipalities have enacted their own climate policies and targets, which often include specific requirements for the healthcare sector. For example, California has set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, while New York City has mandated that large buildings, including hospitals, reduce their carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and by 80 per cent by 2050. These policies provide a strong drive for hospitals to transition to all-electric systems and adopt other measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
Key areas of electrification Space heating Traditional fossil-fuel-based systems for space heating are widespread in hospitals. These systems typically involve burning natural gas to generate heat, which is both carbon-intensive and inefficient. For instance, in hospitals, a significant portion of thermal energy is used for reheating air to meet ventilation requirements. This
57 Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton.
©2019 John Magnoski
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