Sustainable Practices in Healthcare Facilities: A Case Study of Hospital Pulau Pinang's Waste Management and Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Abstract

Nowadays, hospitals generate significant waste, contributing to pollution and landfill overload, as well as high energy consumption, leading to substantial carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The objective of the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) program at Hospital Pulau Pinang is to minimise landfill waste and reduce the environmental footprint, while aiming for significant reductions in electrical consumption and CO₂ emissions through the Energy Management Program (EMP). From 2020 to 2024, Hospital Pulau Pinang demonstrated the 3R program significant advancements in waste management, with annual increases in recycled materials. In 2020, the hospital successfully recycled 121,943.06 kilograms of waste, valued at RM 34,713.92, primarily consisting of mixed paper. Subsequent years continued this positive trajectory, with 2021 witnessing the recycling of 146,042.70 kilograms (RM 85,907.89), mainly comprising cardboard. In 2022, 2023 and 2024 sustained robust efforts, recycling 143,274.55 kilograms (RM 92,569.75), 134,877.83 kilograms (RM 60,941.47) and 136,818.66 kilograms (RM 67,140.53) respectively, with cardboard as the predominant material recycled. Meanwhile, the EMP initiative at Hospital Pulau Pinang, spanning from 2017 to 2024, has consistently delivered substantial electrical savings and significant reductions in CO₂ emissions, shows steadfast dedication to sustainability. Beginning with a 10.93% reduction in 2017, the program achieved annual savings of 8.15% in 2018 and 7.76% in 2019, followed by remarkable leaps to 17.95% in 2020, 21.89% in 2021, 22.74% in 2022, 22.50% in 2023, and 20.44% in 2024. This progression correlates with a steady decline in CO₂ emissions, notably reducing by thousands of tonnes each year, from 2,194.58 tonnes in 2017 to 26,001.27 tonnes in 2024. In conclusion, the 3R program not only reduces landfill waste, saves costs, generates revenue, and enhances sustainability practices, demonstrating a commitment to efficient waste management beneficial to the Ministry of Health (MOH). Simultaneously, EMP efforts have notably reduced electrical consumption and CO₂ emissions, shows a proactive approach to sustainable healthcare practices.