[preview] Sustainability in action: Einstein Health System initiatives on promoting planetary health

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein has stood out through its various fronts of action with innovative and impactful initiatives in sustainability, aligned with planetary health. OBJECTIVE: To present institutional actions and experiences aimed at generating knowledge and raising awareness about the benefits of integrating health and sustainability, reducing the environmental impacts associated with healthcare operations—such as waste management and greenhouse gas emissions—and strengthening and training teams to act effectively in climate emergencies. METHODS: Descriptive case report, categorized into education and research, healthcare operations, and climate emergency response. RESULTS: Knowledge generation and education about nature and health for diverse audiences have been carried out, with scientific dissemination reaching over one million people. In operation, there was a 92% reduction in the disposal of general waste in landfills, while the replacement of nitrous oxide usage avoided the emission of 4,114 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Additionally, with renewable energy self-production, 60% of the institution's energy consumption will be covered. Over two thousand services were provided in climate emergencies during the catastrophe in Rio Grande do Sul. CONCLUSION: Integrating Planetary Health into institutional policies in the healthcare sector is essential to address global environmental challenges. These initiatives exemplify how healthcare institutions can incorporate sustainable and innovative practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting positive impacts on local, community, national, and global levels.