ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
OF THE HOSPITAL
Education as a transversal axis of transformation
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Principle 8: Businesses should encourage initiatives that promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9: Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development by integrating environmental management transversally in all its processes. In this sense, it seeks to continuously improve its environmental performance, promoting the responsible use of resources, the reduction of environmental impact and compliance with applicable regulations, as well as voluntary adherence to international standards.
In addition, it has an environmental management policy that is materialized through the following objectives:
01
IDENTIFY AND MITIGATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND IMPACTS
Evaluate, mitigate and control environmental aspects, impacts and risks associated with health care services.
02
SAFE MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICALS
Ensure proper handling of chemical substances, minimizing health and environmental risks.
03
INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT
Implement strategies for the reduction, reuse, recycling and responsible final disposal of hospital waste.
04
EFFICIENT USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Monitor and optimize water and energy consumption to ensure sustainable use.
05
POLLUTANT LOAD MANAGEMENT
Control and reduce pollutant loads discharged into the environment by ensuring their adequate treatment.
06
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND TRAINING
Train and sensitize employees, patients and suppliers on the importance of sustainability and good environmental practices.
07
GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSION REDUCTIONS
Implement strategies to reduce the carbon footprint and contribute to climate change mitigation.
08
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Constantly evaluate and strengthen environmental strategies to optimize their effectiveness.
09
CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Actively contribute to the construction of a more sustainable environment at the local, national and international levels.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE CITIES
As part of the sustainable mobility strategy, the Hospital has a series of buses to provide corporate transportation services to approximately 300 employees daily, through a delegated service company, which promotes the reduction of the use of private vehicles and the reduction of the environmental footprint generated by urban mobility.
The hospital also has green areas that contribute to environmental sustainability.
In conjunction with the
Institute of Education,
are housed
632
tree individuals
belonging to
88
species
31
families,
which capture
approximately
1.192
tons of CO₂ per year;
playing a key role in
playing a key role in improving
air quality and community
and the well-being of the community.
Corporate transportation for employees - HPTU
_
In turn, the composting area inside the hospital allows the generation of compost material for the green areas. This area uses leaf litter, eggshells, coffee shavings and surplus from the enteral mixing plant.
15,978 kg
Compost Generation 2024
ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS
[GRI 305-1]
One of the main challenges in terms of environmental sustainability is the control of atmospheric emissions and the reduction of greenhouse gases. In response to this problem, the Hospital carried out the registration of its emissions during 2024, contributing to pollution control and promoting the awareness of the different stakeholders about the importance of caring for the environment and making responsible decisions for the protection of ecosystems.
The Hospital also works together with other healthcare institutions in the region to implement measures that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. During 2023 and 2024, the Hospital received recognition for its carbon footprint reduction and leadership in climate change mitigation from the Global Network of Green and Healthy Hospitals.
Source Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe - HPTU
For eight years, through carbon footprint measurements, the Hospital has defined solid and diverse strategies to comprehensively manage emissions in its different categories, in addition to reaffirming its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal "Climate Action". As a result, it was possible to identify a decreasing trend in the amounts of CO₂ emitted annually by the Hospital.
Among these practices are:
Purchase of green energy
Business transportation
ECHO health telementoring program (Thanks to this project, the emission of approximately 1,200,000 kg of CO₂ has been avoided by reducing the need for participants to travel to the Hospital, as they connect remotely through the Zoom platform).
Sustainable purchasing criteria for the acquisition of clinical and hospital equipment
Replacement of lighting fixtures in parking lots and health care facilities
Life cycle perspective on product purchasing
LIFE-CYCLE PERSPECTIVE IN THE PURCHASE OF SERVICES
The Hospital integrates sustainability criteria in its support services contracting process. One of the priorities is efficiency in the consumption of natural resources, for which it verifies that bidders and potential suppliers have environmental plans and programs that support their commitment to care for the environment.
On the other hand, the fact that supplier companies have an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which allows them to evaluate their environmental impact and their alignment with the hospital's environmental management policy, is a positive factor. This integrated approach facilitates the selection of strategic allies committed to reducing emissions and mitigating climate change.
Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital - HPTU
CONSUMPTION OF RESOURCES WITHIN THE HOSPITAL
Energy and water consumption at the Hospital
[GRI 302-1] [GRI 302-4] [GRI 302-4] [GRI 302-4
During 2024, the Hospital's electricity consumption was 13,913 MW (0.67% less than in 2023) and water consumption was 165,606 m3 (10.07% less than in 2023). Among the strategies for energy conservation, preventive maintenance of equipment and technological change and renovation are highlighted. Water conservation strategies include the use of rainwater in sanitary services, the fire prevention network, and cooling towers.
Effluents and services
GRI 303-2] [GRI 303-4] [GRI 303-4].
To evaluate the impact of water discharge on the Hospital's activities, a discharge characterization is carried out annually, in accordance with the variables established in Resolution 631 of 2015. This analysis includes the measurement of parameters such as pH, metals, fats and oils, suspended and total solids, among others; allowing a rigorous control of the quality of wastewater and the development of measures to reduce the environmental impact.
Source Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe - HPTU
All stakeholders, both internal and external, have been involved in the development of this strategy, defining specific intervention measures:
1.
Control of chemical products prior to their entry into the Hospital in the control in the entry of chemical products is established from the purchase to those chemical products that are donated or destined for pilot tests. The areas involved in this control process are clinical engineering, environmental management, laboratory and inventory areas. Some of the barriers identified have been the adherence of personnel to the established protocols and the integration of work flows; to overcome them, periodic work tables have been implemented to socialize and optimize the processes for the entry of substances.
Some of the results obtained have been the detailed inventory of products by area, specifying quantities, presentation and control measures to guarantee the safe management of spills.
2.
Replacement of laboratory equipment with technology that consumes less water and chemicals and generates less wastewater.
3.
Before acquiring new equipment for the laboratory and other hospital areas, an analysis and verificationof replacement options or discharge control mechanisms is carried out.
4.
Supervision of food premises in the complementary services platform, verifying the proper disposal of fats, oils, grease and cleaning and disinfection chemicals.
5.
Substitution of chemical products implemented in duck washing for alternatives with lower COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) concentrations.
6.
Implementation of more efficient duckwashing equipment with lower consumption of chemicals and water.
7.
Installation of informative material in sanitary units to generate awareness and reduce the concentration of suspended solids in discharges.
8.
Optimization of chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection, reducing their concentration and improving their efficiency.
9.
Reduction of disinfectant products in the cleaning process, going from two to one without compromising its effectiveness.
10.
Quarterly accountability through environmental performance reports to process leaders, encouraging the dissemination of results and continuous improvement.
11.
Active contract with EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín) for the treatment of basic variables and the reduction of the pollutant load.
12.
Hiring of specialized consultants to strengthen environmental performance in the management of wastewater discharges.
13.
Adjustment in food minutes, reducing the content of fats and oils.
Due to these measures, the Hospital has achieved significant reductions in the pollutant load and has secured EPM's acceptance for the continuity of its wastewater treatment.
According to the above and with the firm purpose of improving the final discharge conditions and the recognition of the water resource, the Hospital continuously carries out the measurement of the water footprint.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ROLE OF THE HEALTH SECTOR
In the environmental field, concern for the well-being of future generations has become a priority issue for the business sector. Implementing environmentally friendly practices represents a significant challenge, especially for hospitals, whose operations generate considerable environmental impacts.
It is estimated that hospitals
are responsible for
17%
of the sector's emissions,
while the
71%
comes from transportation
and input production
(Lancet Countdown Health
and Climate Change in
South America, 2023).
In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) recognizes the need to transform health facilities into environmentally sustainable spaces, optimizing the use of resources and reducing waste disposal, in order to protect and improve the health of communities.
However, as the figures show, the reduction of pollutant emissions and the mitigation of environmental impact represent a shared challenge between the health sector, hospitals and their network of suppliers of products and services. It is essential to strengthen collaboration and the implementation of strategies to move towards a more sustainable healthcare model.
Herlyn Danilo Vitola Quintero - Environmental Management Assistant - HPTU
SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT
Over time, the Hospital has understood the importance of close collaboration with its suppliers as a fundamental pillar to guarantee patient safety, the well-being of its collaborators and environmental protection. The supplier strengthening strategy aims to promote the development of competencies through the integration of knowledge, articulated work and the implementation of sustainable practices.
For its development, the guidelines of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Colombia have been followed, which promotes a program focused on economic inclusion, productivity improvement and the competitive strengthening of companies linked to supply chains, both in urban and rural contexts.
The focus of this strategy is based on the concept of sustainable development, which guides the Hospital's actions to ensure the sustainability of its supply and service chain. From this perspective, the principles of environmental, social and economic sustainability make it possible to identify possible impacts on the supply chain and design strategies for their mitigation or transformation.
Strategic ally Salamanca - HPTU
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF SUPPLIERS
[GRI 308-1] [GRI 308-2].
One of the pillars that accompanies the integrated evaluation of the Hospital's delegated service providers is the environmental aspect, which seeks to involve the companies and their managers in aspects of sustainability that benefit the environment.
During 2024,
were valued at
25
service companies
delegated in the framework
of the environmental management
environmental management, generating
edifying conversations
from the perspective
life cycle of products and services.
products and services.
It has become evident how the sustainable purchasing strategy, monitoring, evaluation and re-evaluation of suppliers allows leveraging the development of this stakeholder group, closing the existing gaps and enabling the Hospital to develop differential and high-value strategies for the care of the environment and the preservation of the ecosystem.
In accordance with the annual strategic planning, the Environmental Management System prioritizes the activities to be developed, considering the scope and installed capacities. In this process, suppliers are integrated, aligning their resources and knowledge with the identified needs, who assume the following responsibilities:
- Provide clear, truthful and transparent information on the aspects evaluated in terms of sustainability.
- Explicitly express their interest in being part of the strategy.
- Comply with scheduled meetings and agreed commitments.
Among the environmental strategies implemented, those that have had a significant impact on improving the Hospital's environmental performance and meeting the objectives established in the Environmental Management Policy stand out. In addition, these initiatives have been developed in close collaboration with suppliers, thus strengthening sustainability in the supply chain.
Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital -HPTU
WASTE GENERATION INSIDE THE HOSPITAL
GRI 306-2] [GRI 306-3] [GRI 306-5] [GRI 306-4] [GRI 306-5] [GRI 306-5
WASTE GENERATED WITHIN THE HOSPITAL 2024
In 2024, the Hospital will celebrate three years of implementing the hospital waste circularity project, which seeks to have an impact on the amount of waste delivered to the landfill and, in turn, improve the circulation of the materials that remain after the provision of health services.
WASTE CIRCULARITY
These and other strategies led to the Hospital being recognized by the Global Network of Green and Healthy Hospitals for its track record in reducing its environmental footprint through waste management.
EDUCATION
AS A TRANSVERSAL AXIS
OF TRANSFORMATION
At the Hospital, sustainability has a transforming sense that drives the commitment to the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations. Education is the axis that fosters responsible and transforming actions; therefore, the following actions were implemented:
Flavor Laboratory
During 2024,
was implemented this
training space
through which activities were
developed dynamic and participative
and participatory activities with
1.350
employees
in order to strengthen
their knowledge
with respect to the safe handling of
of chemicals,
the identification of hazards
through labels and data
and data sheets,
and their correct storage.
Strengthening the sustainability chain through chemical trivia
This strategy was designed to strengthen knowledge about the safe handling of chemicals.
It consisted of the creation of
of working groups
made up of
107
participants
from some of the delegated goods and services
and services companies, who, through
through questions and playful
and playful challenges, they tested their
their knowledge of labeling
about labeling,
safety data sheets,
emergency management
and regulations.
Sustainability week, a festival of green ideas
During the week of April 22-26, 2024, talks, workshops, discussions and practical activities were held on sustainable mobility, composting, healthy lifestyles, water protection and waste management.
In addition, the Gratiferia, an educational and participatory space designed to deepen the principles of circular economy and responsible consumption, took place.
This stand allowed
the exchange of objects
in good condition
and the participation of
200
people
among collaborators
and external public,
who received information
about the importance
of reducing, reusing and recycling.
ECOBOX and other initiatives of education on the move
With the deployment of this strategy, the circularity of PVC plastic waste was promoted, raising awareness among collaborators about the importance of proper separation and the positive impact of this initiative, thus contributing to the reduction of pollution and the conservation of natural resources. In addition, Resolution 591 of 2024 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection was analyzed in areas such as inductions, training and primary groups, in order to establish the technical provisions for the integrated management of waste generated in health care and other activities.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND PROJECT
Results by lines of intervention 2024:
Caregivers of the planet line
In this space, environmental education activities are developed for pediatric patients and companions who attend the Pablito Classroom. During 2024, we worked on topics such as the protection of ecosystems, water pollution, forest fires, atmospheric emissions, among others.
302
participants
Sustainable Citizens Line
Through this line, we seek to generate spaces for reflection and awareness of global environmental crises, as well as response and adaptation alternatives from a sustainable development approach. During 2024, training activities were developed for the participants of the Social Program, Healthy Neighbors and I take care of myself with my Soul, on the following topics: agroecology and agrochemicals, environmental impacts in rural areas, and environmental culture.
230
people benefited
Healthy Environment Line
Its objective is to promote healthy environments and sustainable practices with the inhabitants of the residential units neighboring the Hospital. During 2024, this line was developed in the following residential units:
- Lomas del Pilar stage I
- Lomas del Pilar stage IV
- Palmar del Viento
The results for this period are as follows
Door to door
educational for
348
residents
of Lomas del Pilar stage IV
about color coding
and responsible pet
pet ownership
Adequacy of the compost
and the pet area
of the residential unit
Lomas del Pilar stage I
Needs assessment activities
needs assessment,
color-coding workshop,
waste room adaptation and door-to-door
and educational door-to-door
aimed at more than
500
inhabitants
of the residential unit
Palmar del Viento