Evaluation of the Development of Innovative Design Principles for A Climate-Resilient Government Hospital Toward Environmentally Sustainable Health Facility

Abstract

The health sector globally is urged to reduce its carbon footprint while working toward universal health coverage and safe, quality care. In the Philippines, the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223) led the Department of Health (DOH) to develop the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020-2040. To achieve climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health facilities by 2040, a part of the Philippines' strategic thrusts of the 8 Point Action Agenda #4: Handa sa Krisis (Ready for health crises and emergencies), which aims to ensure that the health system with its health infrastructure and resources is solidly built enough to withstand and manage unexpected challenges, safeguarding the health and well-being of the population, while also incorporating measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation. A level II hospital targets to be a Green Apex Hospital, aims to achieve a 5-Green Star Rating by integrating eco-friendly approaches such as energy reduction, rainwater harvesting, biophilic designs, and wellness programs from 2022-2024. The innovative principles have attained a 96.30% audit score. The study shows that health facilities should create more action plans towards attaining a sustainable, green, safe, and climate resilient health facilities, adopting a community and sufficient fund allocation.