After months of elaborate preparation and discussion, the curtains have come down on another successful Conference of the Parties (COP). As anticipated, the United Nations’ annual climate summit produced a series of key insights and actions that can support a global temperature rise not exceeding 1.5-degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and highlighted, once again, the need for multiple sectors and players to commit to a net-zero future by 2050.
The global health sector was a driver of climate conversations for the first time at this edition of COP, a fitting role given that it ranks as the fifth highest carbon emitter when listed as a country. Its status remains unique: attaining net-zero emissions – a situation in which all emissions are balanced by absorbing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere – is a tough task for the healthcare sector. Yet, this does not preclude a significant role for healthcare providers in supporting climate action.
Long way to go
In fact, because limited actions have been taken thus far, there is much that can still be done, and this can be perceived as good news. It also means that the efforts of world-class organizations such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which has taken a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, have the potential to set standards for the industry.
“Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been leading the transformation of the healthcare sector in the UAE since its inception, from its patient-first approach to care, to its adoption of innovative treatments toward enhancing health outcomes. We understand that prioritizing the health of our patients and caregivers must also include the health of our planet,” Marc Petre, Chief Operating Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, told Middle East Health.
“Climate change poses one of the biggest threats to human health today. Many people around the world are affected by extreme weather, food insecurity and vector-borne diseases, exacerbated by the globe’s changing climate. It is important to be aware of the significant contribution that the global healthcare sector is making to greenhouse gas emissions, and platforms such as a designated Health Day at COP28 help in bringing the need for change to the forefront. As healthcare providers, we cannot neglect our responsibility toward the environment,” he added.
Ambitious targets
The multispecialty hospital, which follows the US-based Cleveland Clinic’s model of care, is one of Abu Dhabi’s premier healthcare facilities, and a vital part of the M42 network which was also Principal Health Partner at COP28. Prior to the climate summit, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi published its sustainability and decarbonization efforts and announced ambitious targets for the next few years.
“By 2030, we aim to cut back on our carbon footprint by achieving a 21% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the baseline. We also plan to increase waste recycling to 30%, and reach at least an 18% reduction in energy consumption,” Petre said.
Making inroads
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is already making inroads toward its goals, which are aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 vision and distinguish it in an energy-intensive sector that has hitherto mainly prioritized patient outcomes. The hospital has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3% from the baseline year and realized a 10% reduction in energy consumption by cost.
Petre lent context to these wins: “The healthcare sector hasn’t been known for its contributions to climate action, so these are meaningful successes given the energy-intensive nature of diagnostic and treatment processes. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we’re committed to patient wellness. This focus, coupled with a concern for our planet, strengthens our efforts to safeguard the overall healthcare ecosystem.”
Most distinctively, the hospital is weaving environmental stewardship into its clinical practices: in 2022, it replaced an environment-warming anaesthetic agent with an effective alternative that has lower global warming impact.
“Anaesthetic agents like desflurane absorb and trap infrared radiation, contributing to global warming with an impact 2,540 times worse than an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. This is why our Anesthesiology Institute took the initiative to review the medical literature and switch to something that is more planet-friendly,” Petre said.
In tandem, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is also doubling down on other initiatives to reduce the impact of its operations. For instance, its 10% reduction in energy consumption by cost has been brought about by the recapitalization and retrofitting of lighting systems, air conditioning and ventilation fan motors, as well as the installation of occupancy controls in operating theatres. With energy efficiency in mind, the hospital also utilizes solar water accumulators to reduce the energy required for water heating by 18%.
Emissions from the supply chain
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is also fostering environmental consciousness among its partners and suppliers.
“At present, industry reports suggest that 71% of emissions from the healthcare sector are derived from the supply chain, including the production, transport, use, and disposal of goods and services procured. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are working to address supply chain emissions primarily falling under Scope 3, which encompasses emissions originating from the distribution, transportation, and disposal of goods and services. To tackle these, the hospital is actively collaborating with suppliers and distributors to collect data on emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of products, from production to disposal. Our approach includes calculating emissions, selecting suppliers aligned with our sustainability targets, value chain mapping, and employing a screening process to evaluate
which categories have the most significant emissions, offer the greatest reduction opportunities, and are most relevant to our overall business objectives. Through these
measures, we actively work to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chain
while still ensuring that we have the latest technology available for care,” Petre said.
Meanwhile, the hospital continues to divert at least a fourth of its non-clinical waste across 14 categories, and advocate for the use of green cleaning products and organic fertilizers. It is also supporting water conservation by using non-potable water recaptured from air conditioning condensate and dialysis water systems for 85% of its landscape irrigation needs.
Design and construction
As the global burden on healthcare systems increases, green building practices will also play a role in enhancing the sustainability of the sector. Here too, Cleveland Clinic Abu
Dhabi has set a model to emulate: its main campus and the recently built Fatima bint Mubarak Center have achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the United States Green Building Council.
“From the outset, we wanted to ensure that our facilities are built and operated in alignment with the UAE’s sustainability goals. LEED recognition is an outward sign of our commitment to the environment, and to our pledge for a greener future,” Petre said.
