Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) started its journey towards net zero by monitoring carbon emissions using the climate impact checkup tool. Guided by the 10 Global Green and Healthy Hospitals interconnected goals, SMCV has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives that also promote the health and wellbeing of its employees. With a workforce of 570 staff, including 520 full-time and 50 part-time employees, SMCV serves a patient population of 180,000 annually in the Cheras region of Kuala Lumpur.
The issue
As SMCV grows, so does its consumption of electricity and water, as well as its generation of waste and carbon emissions. The hospital recognized the need to establish a baseline to compare against its activities and develop mitigation plans. Observations revealed that many employees and doctors were leaving lights on in unoccupied areas, leaving electronic devices and medical equipment charging unnecessarily, and discarding recyclable waste. These behaviours highlighted educational opportunities to instill sustainability practices.
Hospital Goals
Implementation
SMCV set up a Race to Zero Committee to integrate sustainability into hospital strategy and operations and to monitor the results of sustainability efforts. Data related to carbon emissions from various departments was collected to set improvement targets from the baseline. Policies and procedures on waste management and energy conservation were established to ensure effectiveness and compliance. Funding and resources were allocated towards sustainability initiatives, and continuous education and awareness programs were conducted to promote sustainability practices among employees.
Waste sorting solutions from the Hospital’s Race to Zero committee. Image: Sunway
Implementation process
The Race to Zero Committee, composed of members from management, nursing, allied health, and support divisions, spearheaded the sustainability initiatives. Ideas were presented to the CEO for approval, and once approved, the committee led the planning and implementation process. Small-scale initiatives, such as waste segregation in one department, were trialed first. Upon seeing positive results, these initiatives were replicated hospital-wide. Progress was tracked and shared monthly to encourage participation.
The climate impact checkup tool enabled SMCV to analyze data on carbon emissions and establish a baseline for improvement. Findings revealed that desflurane gas was a major contributor to carbon emissions, prompting the exploration of alternative options with anesthetists. Continuous education and awareness programs, including training, posters, and tips, were provided to promote sustainability. Sustainability awareness and waste segregation training are now included in all new staff orientation programs.
Tracking Progress
Hospital activities are tracked alongside inpatient and outpatient visits, as well as occupied bed days, to provide insightful comparisons. Energy efficiency is assessed using the building energy index, benchmarked against the average energy intensity for private hospitals in Singapore. Monthly tracking of general and clinical waste, as well as recyclables, helps monitor progress.
Challenges and lessons learned
Gaining the participation and engagement of busy doctors and nurses in sustainability initiatives proved challenging. Leveraging communication channels and executing interesting activities to spread awareness were key strategies. Adapting to sustainable practices and changing habits required time, education, and setting a positive example to become ingrained in SMCV’s culture. The increasing number of patients presented a challenge in maintaining an accurate baseline, prompting the exploration of alternative metrics for data analysis.
Next steps
Find out more:
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