Less footprint, more health! TecSalud hospitals win ecological award

TecSalud's San José and Zambrano Hellion hospitals have been distinguished by the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals network with first place in the 2024 “Less Footprint, More Health” award.

The two hospitals were recognized for their leadership in reducing their environmental footprint in the categories of energy and carbon emissions.

According to Ricardo Marroquín, Operations Director of TecSalud, this recognition represents an important achievement and a tangible example of the hospitals’ commitment to the environment.

“It shows that our hospitals not only care for people but also for the environment around them, which contributes to planetary health,” he added.

The award for the Latin American region included more than 27,000 hospitals and health centers in 16 countries.

Committed to health and the environment

Global Green and Healthy Hospitals is an initiative of Health Care Without Harm, an international non-governmental organization that aims to transform the healthcare sector worldwide to reduce its environmental impact.

Since 2016, the “Less Footprint, More Health” award has aimed to highlight the efforts of Global Green and Healthy Hospitals members to reduce their environmental and climate footprint.

“By recognizing their efforts, we inspire more institutions to follow their example,” said Jaquelina Tapia, technical manager of Health Care Without Harm Programs for Latin America.

To this end, hospitals and health centers in the network should evaluate the impact of their actions over time to implement more effective strategies for environmental care.

“In this way, they reaffirm their commitment to a future in which health and respect for the environment go hand in hand,” she said.

The route towards a sustainable future

In this ninth edition, the TecSalud hospitals were recognized for demonstrating significant advances in their environmental care strategy from 2021 to 2023.

“We reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 87%,” said Javier Eduardo Martínez Giorgetti, who leads the “green” initiatives at the hospitals.

“Currently, Zambrano Hellion Hospital has 100% renewable energy, while San José Hospital has 97%,” he added.

According to Javier Martínez, other environmental care strategies are being implemented in the hospitals, such as separating organic waste in the cafeterias.

“The waste is collected and sent to a supplier to be composted, reducing the methane emissions that are generated when this waste decomposes,” he said.

Ricardo Marroquín said that employees have a responsibility to be aware of the environmental impacts associated with the operation and to aim to mitigate them.

“Incorporating sustainability initiatives helps to lessen the effects of climate change, which in turn directly affects people’s health.” -Ricardo Marroquín

TecSalud has been a member of Global Green and Healthy Hospitals since 2022 as part of its commitment to the environment and in line with the Tec’s Sustainability and Climate Change Plan for 2025.

In this plan, called “Ruta Azul” (Blue Route) the Tec has outlined the path to achieve a sustainable future and consolidate the Institution as a model of sustainability.

Alejandro Gil, Director of TecSalud Hospitals, highlighted that the hospitals are committed not only to excellence in medical care but also to environmental responsibility.

“This recognition reflects the effort and vision of our team to integrate sustainability throughout our operations.”

“We’ll continue to lead with actions that reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier, more sustainable future for all,” he concluded.

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