Emirates Health Services (EHS) has unveiled the implementation of several sustainable projects within its healthcare facilities, in line with the Year of Sustainability announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, under the theme "Today for Tomorrow." These projects align with EHS’ strategies and efforts to adopt sustainable practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions, addressing climate change, and preserving the environment.
Emirates Health Services adopts a comprehensive concept of sustainability by taking it as a way of life and a strategic decision through implementing daily standards and taking significant steps towards providing sustainable solutions that protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of the planet for current and future generations. EHS emphasized that sustainability is one of the foremost challenges facing humanity in the present era, with increasing pressures on natural resources and the exacerbation of the impacts of climate change.
Emirates Health Services takes on the responsibility of achieving sustainability by directing its efforts towards developing and implementing projects and initiatives aimed at reducing the consumption of natural resources, contributing to the reduction of harmful emissions and greenhouse gases, improving quality of life, and utilizing renewable energy sources.
The projects implemented by EHS in its facilities included the deployment of a remote presence robot, known as the "Telepresence Robot." This innovative technology transfers a three-dimensional image and voice of the doctor to the controlled device, allowing them to interact and communicate with patients in hospitals and isolation rooms. The doctors can conduct consultations and meet with any patient from their office or from any remote location during official working hours or after hours. Consequently, the implementation of this project positively contributes to reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases and, thus, decreasing the carbon footprint.
Emirates Health Services also implemented a project to install solar water heaters in healthcare facilities. This project aims to heat water using renewable solar energy as a clean and renewable source. It effectively contributes to environmental preservation, promotes electricity conservation, reduces pollution, and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, solar water heaters have a lesser environmental impact and longer lifespan compared to traditional water heaters.
EHS continued its efforts by installing solar panels to generate electricity in its facilities, benefiting from clean and renewable energy that does not cause harmful emissions and reduces carbon emissions. Furthermore, EHS equipped its facilities with outdoor lighting that primarily relies on clean energy generated from the sun. This contributes to energy savings, reduces negative environmental impact, and lowers carbon emissions. The energy is derived from solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity.
Additionally, the sewage treatment plant project stands out as a significant endeavor in water reuse for agriculture. By transforming treated sewage water into a sustainable secondary water source, these plants play a crucial role in providing a new water supply for irrigating agricultural lands. This initiative helps alleviate the exclusive dependence on freshwater resources, which are gradually depleting.
The process involves purifying treated water to convert it into safe and suitable water for irrigation. This is achieved by removing organic matter, impurities, and contaminants, ensuring the quality of the reused water in agriculture. Water reuse stations contribute to reducing environmental pollution from wastewater, minimizing its impact on natural water sources. They also work towards water conservation and consumption reduction, ultimately preserving and sustaining water resources.
EHS also implemented the solar lighting project in its facilities, which primarily relies on clean energy generated from the sun. This type of lighting helps save energy while simultaneously reducing the negative impact on the environment and minimizing carbon emissions.