This paper is the first step in a WHO project in collaboration with Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) aimed at addressing the climate footprint of the health sector.

A second step, to be taken together with HCWH, the Health and Environment Alliance
(HEAL) and other intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, will be a series of consultations that will lead to the establishment of a global network for climate-friendly health care.

The network will be a knowledge-based learning network and community of practice that
supports efforts to mitigate the climate footprint of the health sector. It will serve as a vehicle for information exchange and will provide technical tools for the health sector on how to improve energy efficiency, the built environment, alternative energy generation, sustainable transportation, and procurement. It will emphasize the health, economic and social co-benefits of climate mitigation that can be achieved through measures within the reach of health facilities. The network will also create a global framework for policy-related activities.
Preface
Seven elements of a climate-friendly hospital
1. Introduction. Global climate change, human health and health care
2. Leading by example. Reducing the health sector’s climate footprint
2.1 Health co-benefits
2.2 Economic co-benefits
2.3. Social co-benefits
3. Specific actions and examples of change in the health-care setting
3.1 Energy efficiency
3.2 Green building design
3.3 Alternative energy generation
3.4 Transportation
3.5 Food
3.6 Waste
3.7 Water
4. Opportunities for Action
4.1 For multilateral and bilateral aid agencies, international institutions and intergovernmental negotiations
4.2 For national ministries of health
4.3 For hospitals and health systems
4.4 For health professionals
References