Hacia un sistema de salud sustentable en Chile: el papel de los hospitales verdes

The healthcare sector plays a crucial role in protecting the population, but its environmental impact is undeniable. Globally, healthcare is responsible for 4.4% of greenhouse gas emissions. In Chile, sustainable hospital waste management is inadequate, with only 2% of waste being recycled. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) have a particularly high environmental footprint, generating three times more CO₂ per bed than other hospital areas.

The objective of this article is to analyze the environmental impact of the healthcare system in Chile and to highlight the strategic role of hospitals—particularly their clinical teams—in the transition toward more sustainable models of care.

In this context, it is essential for the Chilean healthcare system to shift toward a greener approach, addressing challenges such as waste generation, overuse of plastic materials, and CO₂ emissions. Healthcare teams play a key role in leading sustainability initiatives, providing training, and promoting best practices. Several successful cases demonstrate the feasibility and associated benefits of such efforts. However, regulatory changes and institutional commitments are needed to align healthcare with global environmental sustainability goals, ensuring a healthier future for both people and the planet.