Mollet University Hopsital, Barcelona, Spain

My experience at Mollet University Hospital

At Mollet University Hospital, we have been working for more than a decade to reduce our environmental impact. This has been a continuous journey, built from both small and major decisions that have yielded very tangible results: in thirteen years, we have reduced our direct CO₂ emissions by 92%, compensating the remaining emissions through the voluntary program of the Catalan Office for Climate Change, and with the aim of fully electrifying the hospital in the coming months to eliminate our dependency on natural gas (the main source of the remaining 8%).

Our approach, rooted in strong institutional governance, has combined efficient infrastructures, a thorough review of processes through organizational improvements, more sustainable clinical decisions, and an internal green culture in which our professionals have played an essential role.

This work has led to several international recognitions, including:

    • The Gold Award for Hospital Sustainability Acceleration, granted by the International Hospital Federation at the World Hospital Congress held in Geneva in November 2025.
    • The JCI–GSC Healthcare Sustainability Certification (HSC), by Joint Commission International, which accredits us as the first hospital in Spain and the fourth in the world to achieve this sustainability-focused certification.

These recognitions are meaningful, but for us they hold above all a symbolic value: they demonstrate that a hospital can move toward a more sustainable model without compromising care quality, safety, or innovation.

Moving from decarbonization to a planetary health approach

A narrative based on planetary health, which helps convey that these changes are not only environmental but also improve people’s health, safety, and wellbeing—while engaging patients, the community, and the wider territory.

Building on a shared interest in Planetary Health by Mollet Health Foundation and ISGlobal, a Center for Planetary Health Development was established in 2024. From a hospital setting located at the confluence of nature and the city, the Planetary Health Development Center acts as a space for experimentation and channelling of transformative solutions for the health system, providing evidence, training and replicable models throughout the territory.

Working together with leading stakeholders

Mollet Health Foundation and ISGlobal participates in international networks, such as the Planetary Health Alliance Europe—for which ISGlobal will assume the technical secretariat during the period 2026–2028—and aligns itself with global initiatives, such as the WHO’s ATTACH initiative, thus ensuring high scientific rigor and an international vision. It also acts as the Certified Learning Hub for Spain of the Geneva Sustainability Centre (an initiative of the International Hospital Federation, IHF) and collaborates with Health Care Without Harm.

What comes next: Steps needed to accelerate to net-zero health systems

We have identified several key elements for moving towards Net-Zero Healthcare:

    • Clear institutional leadership that embeds sustainability into the strategy of both healthcare centers and the health system as a whole.
    • Harmonized indicators and reliable measurement systems, essential for planning and assessing progress.
    • Procurement and contracting processes that incorporate environmental criteria, involving suppliers in studies and pilot tests so they can also move in this direction.
    • Scaling up proven solutions, from energy efficiency to circular economy initiatives and the reduction of clinical emissions.
    • Training and a strong professional culture, enabling both clinical and non-clinical teams to integrate sustainability into everyday decisions.
    • A narrative based on planetary health, which helps convey that these changes are not only environmental but also improve people’s health, safety, and wellbeing—while engaging patients, the community, and the wider territory.

Ultimately, the experience at Mollet University Hospital shows that transforming health systems toward net-zero is not only feasible but essential—and that by aligning sustainability, clinical excellence, and planetary health, hospitals can become powerful drivers of healthier communities and a healthier planet.

Author:

Miguel Ángel Martínez Sánchez is Director of Sustainability, Safety and Health at Fundació Sanitària Mollet (Barcelona, Spain), with nearly 25 years of experience leading climate action and sustainability in healthcare systems.