10.D. Scientific session: Are we ready for a new green healthcare era? Insights from the Caring Nature project

Abstract The healthcare sector is responsible for 4-5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, not only from hospitals but also from other health and care entities, which contribute approximately 50% of these emissions. Without intervention, the projected annual GHG emissions from the healthcare sector are expected to dramatically increase by 2050. Traditionally, health and care facilities, including hospitals, have prioritized patient care and safety over operational costs and energy savings. Therefore, urgent action is required to reduce environmental impact without compromising the safety of patients and staff. A wide range of interventions is possible if certain key requirements are met: engaging healthcare professionals as leaders of transformation, developing innovative and health-specific green solutions with significant impact, ensuring the adoption of these solutions, and verifying that they are environmentally sustainable, cost-efficient, and scalable. The ClimAte neutRal INitiatives for GrowiNg heAlTh and care Unmet REquirements (CARING NATURE, CN) project is one of the first Horizon Europe research and innovation programs addressing these issues and developing solutions based on the aforementioned requirements. Its relevance is also evidenced by its mention in the WHO COP29 special report on climate change and health. Building on the CN project's highlights, this workshop aims to address the urgent need for sustainable solutions within the healthcare sector. As this sector continues to grow, its environmental footprint will also increase, making it imperative to explore innovative strategies for reducing carbon emissions and pollution. This session will serve as a platform to bring together the public health community to discuss and develop actionable solutions for implementation across various healthcare settings and to explore how to foster the adoption of these solutions across different regions and healthcare systems. In this scientific session, insights from CN findings will be presented, followed by an open discussion with participants. The first presentation will provide the healthcare sector's responsibility in mitigation actions aimed at reducing GHG emissions, using the CN project as an example. The second presentation will highlight one of the main solutions addressing these challenges: the development of a Knowledge Sharing System as a key tool for healthcare management and education in this field. The third presentation will focus on necessary staff engagement through participatory methods for Communities of Practice to achieve environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities. The final presentation will demonstrate the implementation of the Knowledge Sharing and Decision Support System for healthcare management in the Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme in Finland. The entire scientific session will offer an opportunity to share experiences and challenges across different European contexts and analyze how CN solutions could be implemented and adapted. Key messages • The healthcare sector's GHG emissions are set to rise by 2050 without intervention. The CN project offers innovative solutions to reduce emissions while ensuring patient and staff safety. • The CN project highlights the need for sustainable healthcare practices. It emphasizes engaging professionals, developing green solutions, and fostering adoption to mitigate environmental impact.