Joining "Exemplary Energy and Climate"
We are committed to a sustainable healthcare system.
The four university hospitals are leading by example and joined the federal government's "Exemplary Energy and Climate" (VEK) initiative in fall 2023. The accession was celebrated at the University Hospital Basel in the presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and Kaspar Sutter, member of the cantonal government of Basel-Stadt.
By joining, the university hospitals are committing themselves to concrete sustainability goals in order to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In the coming years, they will also implement individual measures in the areas of medical equipment, procurement, nutrition and waste: For example, the energy consumption of large radiology equipment is to be reduced and climate-friendly catering promoted.
"The University Hospital Basel is tackling sustainability measures in the areas of medical equipment, procurement, nutrition and waste."
The four university hospitals are leading by example and joined the federal government's "Exemplary Energy and Climate" (VEK) initiative in fall 2023. The accession was celebrated at the University Hospital Basel in the presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and Kaspar Sutter, member of the cantonal government of Basel-Stadt.
By joining, the university hospitals are committing themselves to concrete sustainability goals in order to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In the coming years, they will also implement individual measures in the areas of medical equipment, procurement, nutrition and waste: For example, the energy consumption of large radiology equipment is to be reduced and climate-friendly catering promoted.
Healthcare in a changing climate
According to calculations by the international non-governmental organization Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), the healthcare sector contributes more to climate change worldwide (4.4 percent of pollutant emissions) than global air traffic (three percent) or shipping (two percent).
The good news
According to an eco-efficiency analysis conducted as part of the National Research Program "Sustainable Economy", half of Switzerland's hospitals could reduce their environmental impact by around 50 percent - without compromising healthcare services.
Other members of the VEK initiative
In addition to the university hospitals, almost 20 other Swiss providers of publicly relevant services are members of the VEK initiative. The focus is on energy efficiency, renewable energies and climate-friendly financial flows. Further information about the initiative can be found here: