Sustainable Development in Healthcare Facilities. Case Study: Swedish and Greek Hospital

In the past few years sustainable development has been in the center of attention among organizations around the world. The literature focuses mostly on the industry sector for its negative impact on the environment. However, a cautious study reveals that the healthcare sector similarly contributes to the climate change with a negative effect. The purpose of this study aims to analyze the ways (actions and plans) in which sustainable development is incorporated between a Greek and a Swedish healthcare facility. Relevant global literature and data were utilized together with the environmental reports of the two hospitals. In addition, a combined survey (interviews and quantitative research) was completed at the Greek facility to draw conclusions on the personnel’s knowledge and habits regarding sustainable development. The results highlighted the necessity to achieve sustainable development and the manner in which it has to be integrated into healthcare. Furthermore, the differences in actions that follow both the Greek and the Swedish hospital are pointed out, as well as similarities, with solutions adapted to the reality of its country individually. The outcome highlighted the significance of accomplishing sustainability in healthcare as well as in any other organization. Additionally, there are a lot of opportunities for improvement towards this goal. Solutions to various issues and possible ways of improvement are proposed, while the need for a new research at Greek national level is highlighted, so that sustainability actions can be adjusted to the Greek reality in the healthcare field.