A recent report has highlighted the UAE’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions from its healthcare sector by 20% by 2030. This ambitious target will be achieved through energy-saving measures, waste reduction initiatives, and recycling programmes implemented across leading hospitals.
The report, published by global consultancy firm Arthur D. Little, sheds light on the growing environmental challenges and opportunities in the Middle East’s healthcare sector. Titled “The Planet Will See You Now”, the report stresses the urgent need for healthcare institutions to adopt sustainable practices to address carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste management. It also recommends aligning healthcare sustainability strategies with national objectives such as the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.
Pioneering Efforts in Sustainability
Arthur D. Little’s report highlights notable progress in designing eco-friendly hospitals, implementing waste reduction programmes, and optimising supply chains to lower the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint. It also underscores the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in innovation and sustainability, positioning them as regional frontrunners in driving the transition towards a more sustainable future.
Globally, healthcare is among the largest consumers of energy and natural resources, contributing 4.4% of total greenhouse gas emissions, making it the fifth-largest emitter. In the Middle East, healthcare facilities’ emissions are estimated to be higher than the global average due to the region’s hot climate, which necessitates significant energy consumption for cooling, and the challenges of medical waste management.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the region’s modern healthcare infrastructure, which incorporates advanced green building practices, energy-intensive cooling systems remain a necessity. Moreover, effective medical waste management continues to be a significant challenge.
Dr Ali Alessandro Ayash, Partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East, commended the UAE and Saudi Arabia for their innovative approaches to sustainability but stressed the need to accelerate efforts to achieve ambitious national sustainability goals. He noted that sustainability is not only vital for reducing emissions but also a strategic imperative for controlling costs, improving patient outcomes, and meeting international climate commitments. Energy-efficient hospitals that streamline clinical workflows can significantly lower operational costs, he added.
Farhan Mirza, Director at Arthur D. Little Middle East, echoed these sentiments, stating:
“The health of our planet and human health are two sides of the same coin. By focusing on sustainability, Middle Eastern healthcare systems can deliver better patient outcomes, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region.”
