Sustainable development in hospitals and elderly care homes in China

From 24th to 26th, May, a Dutch delegation of 7 pioneering companies (Signify I NEXT Architects I Philips I Achterbosch Architecten I Trespa I Hunter Douglas, Inc. I IATA) participated in the China Hospital Construction Conference in Wuhan. The program featured a vibrant Dutch Pavilion, a Sino-Dutch Near Zero Carbon Hospital Construction and Development Forum, and inspiring site visits to Wuhan Children's Hospital and Tongji Hospital—two leading examples of green hospital development in China.

During the forum, Huub Buise, Minister Counselor of Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China, introduced the Global Health Partnership Program, initiated by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The program focuses on:

 1️⃣ Reducing the carbon footprint of hospitals (especially in ICUs and ORs)

2️⃣ Building a sustainable medical supply chain

 3️⃣ Promoting sustainable training through digital tools and simulations

Niek Sperna Weiland, Director of the Sustainable Development Center at the University of Amsterdam Medical Center, shared a video titled 'Research and Practice on Carbon Footprints of Medical Processes in Dutch Hospitals'. Currently, it has received an invitation from the Shenzhen Hospital Managers Association to conduct a pilot project in Shenzhen, formulate emission reduction plans through comprehensive evaluation of the current carbon emissions situation, and start practical applications to jointly promote the high-quality development of near zero carbon hospital construction in China and the Netherlands.

These collaborative exchanges showcased cutting-edge Dutch expertise in sustainable healthcare development and fostered meaningful dialogue with Chinese counterparts. Dutch companies presented innovative solutions for green hospital construction, and both sides explored promising opportunities for future collaboration.

During the hospitals’ visits, the delegation was impressed by the strides China has made in sustainable hospital design. From renewable energy and eco-friendly materials to people-centered architecture that integrates natural sunlight, air, ventilation, and greenery—both hospitals demonstrate how sustainability and patient comfort can go hand in hand.

It is the first joint work between NBSO China, Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in China and Consulate General of the Netherlands in Guangzhou in building greener, smarter hospitals for the future!