Human Health Activities
Operation of hospitals, clinics and health services that substantially contribute to climate adaptation through resilient healthcare infrastructure and climate-health preparedness.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
Healthcare facilities must implement adaptation measures that ensure continuity of care and protection of patients and staff under climate-related stressors. A CRVA must be conducted per Appendix A, assessing heat wave impacts on patients and equipment, flood risk to critical infrastructure (operating theatres, emergency departments, pharmacies), power supply resilience, and vector-borne disease preparedness.
The facility must maintain climate-resilient infrastructure: thermal management systems capable of sustaining safe operating conditions during prolonged heat events, flood barriers or elevated critical equipment in flood-prone areas, backup power for at least 72 hours of autonomous operation, and pharmaceutical cold chain resilience. A climate-health surveillance programme must be integrated into the facility's operations, monitoring heat-related admissions, respiratory impacts from air quality events, and vector-borne disease indicators.
Healthcare staff must receive regular training on climate-health emergencies, including heat stroke protocols, mass casualty preparedness for extreme weather events, and management of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. The facility must participate in regional health emergency coordination networks.
DNSH: Climate Change Mitigation
Adaptation measures must not increase the facility's net GHG emissions. The healthcare facility must implement an energy management system and track energy consumption. Backup power systems must transition to low-carbon alternatives (battery storage, renewable backup) where technically feasible.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
The facility must implement water efficiency measures and monitor consumption. Medical process water must be treated before discharge. Pharmaceutical contamination of wastewater must be minimised through proper disposal protocols.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Medical equipment lifecycle management must maximise re-use and recycling. Single-use medical device usage must be minimised where clinically safe. Construction waste from adaptation works must meet the 70% recycling target for non-hazardous materials.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Pharmaceutical waste, infectious waste, and chemical waste must be managed in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. Air handling systems must control pathogen and pollutant exposure. Emissions from backup power systems and facility operations must comply with applicable permit limits.