Carbon footprint reduction in a multi-specialty hospital – a case study

Man’s various activities have resulted in increase in greenhouse gas emissions which is causing global warming and climate change. In order to keep this earth fit for our future generations to survive there is a dire need to reduce our carbon footprint. The carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) (primarily) emissions of a defined population system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks and storage within the spatial and temporal boundary of the population, system or activity of interest. Carbon footprint is used as an environmental indicator to understand and quantify the main emission sources and it constitutes as an effective tool for energy and environment management. Energy intensive multi-specialty hospitals can also reduce their carbon footprint to a great extent by introducing certain measures in areas of HVAC, lighting etc. Fortis Hospital – a multi specialty hospital in Kolkata has taken significant steps in reducing carbon footprint without compromising quality health-care service to patients. Fortis Hospital has done so by reducing consumption of energy for HVAC and lighting. Introduction of vegetarian food and green travel are other carbon footprint reduction measures of Fortis.