NWO honors hospitals' sustainability research

A broad consortium will develop sustainable strategies for hospitals in the coming years, focusing on circular, safe, and scalable solutions. The 'ESCH-R project' aims to accelerate the implementation of circular interventions in hospitals and reduce the ecological footprint of healthcare. NWO has granted 5.3 million euros to support the project.

How can hospitals reduce the use of disposable products and transition to circular practices? The interdisciplinary research team, in collaboration with societal partners, will develop new solutions to contribute to a sustainable and future-proof healthcare system.

Over the next five years, ESCH-R will provide opportunities for bachelor's and master's students, eight PhD candidates, and three postdocs to contribute to the circular transformation of hospitals.

From Leisure to a significant role in Research

"With this investment, we can finally achieve what we have been advocating for some time: the sustainable transformation of healthcare," says Prof. Dr. Frank Willem Jansen, Chairman of Medical Delta and one of the involved researchers. "It is urgently needed as the healthcare sector is responsible for 7% of the Netherlands' CO2 footprint at a time when climate change is a critical issue. The healthcare sector wants and needs to become more sustainable. Until now, it has been primarily driven by dedicated healthcare professionals in their spare time. With this grant, sustainability efforts will have a proper place in research, enabling us to take new steps forward."

Sustainable transformation in healthcare is a complex process involving various stakeholders, from surgeons to procurement departments, nursing staff, manufacturers, and waste processors, with patient safety being a priority. "This project brings together all the necessary parties in the consortium. It is widely supported and will give a kick-start to sustainability in healthcare," says Jansen.

For more information: 2022 | NWO
Read also: Hogeschool Rotterdam neemt deel aan groot project voor circulaire ziekenhuiszorg - Hogeschool Rotterdam (NL)

Consortium:
Erasmus MC (lead by Nicole Hunfeld), TU Delft, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Wageningen University & Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, TU Eindhoven, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Utrecht University, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Hogeschool Leiden, Medtronic, Philips, Philips Foundation, DORC (Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (International) B.V.), Prezero, BV Rubberfabriek Wittenburg, Sabic Innovative Plastics B.V., Gyna goes green, Milieu Platform Zorg/Expertisecentrum Verduurzaming Zorg, LUMC, Landelijk Netwerk De Groene IC, Klimaattafel Rotterdam, BlueCity, MVO NL, ORTEC, NEVI, NFU, Gupta Strategists, RIVM, and Medical Delta.