Water

Efforts in water management include harvesting rainwater for garden irrigation, recycling grey water for flushing toilets, sensor taps in public washrooms, dual-flush toilets, and reverse osmosis drinking water in the bottle less project. These initiatives aim to conserve resources, reduce plastic waste, and minimise bottled water usage.

Food

The hospital has introduced systems to measure and manage food waste, reducing overall waste and composting food remnants.

Transport

To lower emissions, the hospital encourages carpooling among staff for inter-clinic visits and outreach programmes, as well as for daily commutes, and promotes cycling for those able to do so.

Green Infrastructure

The hospital has undertaken green landscaping, starting with tree planting and promoting biophilic designs that incorporate natural elements into the built environment to enhance patient outcomes.

Key infrastructure improvements include the installation of negative and positive pressure rooms for patient isolation and sterilisation areas, HVAC systems for optimal temperature and humidity control, and mechanical ventilation in critical areas. Scavenging systems to reduce theatre emissions ensure the hospital complies with statutory regulations established by Kenya’s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).

Further measures include converting wooden cabinetry to stainless steel, installing vacuum plants for waste management, and utilising extractor fans, air curtains, and regular painting for air quality maintenance.

Top Leadership

The hospital has adopted a green policy and conducted an environmental impact assessment. The Green 365 programme has oversight from the Board Strategy and ESG board committee. Management oversight is provided through the Green 365 committee, which is characterised by a multi-disciplinary membership. Each department has green KPIs, monitored through champions, and committees have been established to foster sustainability across the organisation.

Orientation and induction programmes now encourage green behaviour among staff, supported by a Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity Policy to ensure equitable sustainability efforts.

M.P. Shah Hospital is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and has incorporated Green 365 into its 2021–2025 strategy under the operational excellence pillar, with green key performance indicators (KPIs) integrated into the Balanced Scorecard.

The leadership team reflects the hospital’s commitment to inclusivity, with women in senior management roles and policies ensuring a respectful and safe workplace. Challenges

Implementing sustainable healthcare systems in developing nations is challenging but vital for reducing carbon footprints at national and global levels.

Key barriers and enablers include: 

• Networking to adopt industry and non-industry adaptations and practices to reduce emissions. 
• Having a plan to meet the costs of relevant changes that need to be made. 
• Contextual innovation to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions. 
• Change management strategies to align the institution from door to boardroom. 
• Rethinking how to manage waste, control costs, and optimise resources.

Vision and Expected Impact

 This project aims to mitigate economic, social, and environmental impacts while building resilience against future stressors, such as pandemics. It will foster resource optimisation, enhance green practices, and strengthen collaborations with stakeholders.

Integrating sustainability into operational strategies will enable the hospital to comply with evolving regulations, mitigating reputational and legal risks.

• We aim to reduce hospital carbon emissions by 20% by 2035 through the following initiatives:  Green Supply Chain.
• Green HR.
• Green Leadership.
• Green Pathways.
• Green Buildings.
• Preventive Medicine.
• Energy Conservation: Reduced reliance on grid electricity through increased solar energy use. 
• Water Conservation: Reduced water consumption through grey water recycling and reverse osmosis plants, eliminating bottled water purchases.

By prioritising these initiatives, M.P. Shah Hospital reaffirms its leadership in sustainable healthcare.