New Initiative to Green Healthcare in Eastern Netherlands

2025-11-07 green

Arnhem, Friday, 7 November 2025.
A regional program, ‘Samen de zorg vergroenen,’ aims to reduce healthcare’s environmental impact in the eastern Netherlands by implementing sustainability practices across hospitals.

A Strategic Move Towards Sustainability

The Dutch healthcare sector is responsible for a significant portion of the country’s environmental footprint, accounting for 7% of the Netherlands’ CO2 emissions. This is largely due to the extensive use of disposable products and single-use medications within hospitals. Recognizing the need for change, the ‘Samen de zorg vergroenen’ initiative was launched to address these issues by implementing sustainability practices in healthcare facilities in the eastern Netherlands [1][3].

Implementation and Coordination

The program seeks a Regional Implementation Coordinator to lead the efforts in reducing the environmental impact of healthcare services. This role, based at Radboudumc, involves guiding and supporting hospitals in adopting greener practices. As part of the initiative, more than 60 hospitals across the Netherlands, including Canisius Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis, Rijnstate, Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei, Ziekenhuis Rivierenland, Slingeland Ziekenhuis, and Radboudumc, will participate in the sustainability interventions, selecting 8-10 from a guide of 15-20 interventions [1][2].

Goals and Expected Outcomes

The primary goal of ‘Samen de zorg vergroenen’ is to foster a cultural shift towards sustainable practices among healthcare professionals, particularly within nursing wards. This initiative is expected to minimize waste, enhance energy efficiency, and promote the use of eco-friendly materials in healthcare settings. By fostering awareness and behavior change among healthcare providers, the program aims to set a precedent for sustainable healthcare practices nationwide over the next two years [3][4].

Importance of the Initiative

The healthcare sector’s environmental impact has been a growing concern, with chemicals, including medications, contributing significantly to the ecological footprint. The ‘Samen de zorg vergroenen’ program is part of a broader national effort to reduce this impact and align with sustainability goals set for 2030. This program not only addresses the immediate environmental concerns but also supports long-term sustainability in healthcare by encouraging collaboration between healthcare providers and policymakers [5][6].

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