A report from Health Care Without Harm found that the health sector generates 4.4% of global carbon emissions Shutterstock

A report from Health Care Without Harm found that the health sector generates 4.4% of global carbon emissions Shutterstock

According to a study by healthcare advocacy group Health Care Without Harm, the health sector generates 4.4% of global carbon emissions.

Responding to a parliamentary question on 29 October, health minister Etienne Schneider (LSAP) explained that hospitals contribute to 17% of the health segment’s carbon footprint.

He explained that the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch and the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL) use 100% renewable energy sources to operate and both have solar panels to generate part of their own energy needs. The former also has an e-car sharing pilot scheme to promote the use of electric cars. The CHL, meanwhile, commissioned an energy optimisation study and has introduced new measures in this respect.

Both hospitals also have measures to treat wastewater that may contain high levels of pollution from pharmaceutical products. He said that furthermore, all new hospitals will be constructed with separate wastewater networks to ensure that residues from pharmaceutical products do not find their way into the waterways.