This article first appeared in Forum, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on March 31, 2025 - April 6, 2025

In the heart of Malaysia’s bustling cities and serene rural landscapes, a quiet transformation is taking place. Hospitals, traditionally seen as places of healing, are now emerging as champions of sustainability and planetary health. With the Ministry of Health (MoH) at the helm, hospitals are not only saving lives but also helping to protect the ecosystems that sustain human well-being. As the public sector increasingly embraces green initiatives aimed at safeguarding both the environment and public health of the planet and its inhabitants, Malaysia’s hospitals are seizing the opportunity to lead the way in sustainable healthcare, actively addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Imagine walking into a hospital where the air is fresher, the energy is cleaner and the surroundings are designed to promote both patient recovery and environmental health. This vision is now a reality in 58 hospitals across Malaysia, thanks to their adoption of green practices which have earned them certifications under programmes including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool (MyCREST).

From Hospital Jasin in Melaka, Hospital Putrajaya and Hospital Slim River in Perak — some of the first government buildings in the country to achieve LEED Platinum certification — to Hospital Sungai Buloh in Selangor setting new benchmarks in energy efficiency and earning a MyCREST 5-Star rating, these hospitals are proving that healthcare and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Several hospitals have been honoured with the Asean Energy Awards (AEA) and National Energy Awards (NEA) for their leadership in sustainable energy management, reflecting their success in reducing carbon footprints, optimising energy use and creating healthier environments for patients, staff and the wider community. But what drives these achievements? The answer lies in a robust framework and a clear vision set by the MoH for the future.

The Sustainability Programme by the MoH is a transformative initiative embedding planetary health principles into public hospitals. Aligned with Malaysia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy and achieving net zero goals by 2050, the programme supports national targets like the Green Technology Master Plan (2017–2030), the Zero Single-Use Plastic Roadmap (2018–2030) and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (2021–2030).

At its core is the Carbon Neutral Healthcare Facilities Blueprint, the MoH’s road map to achieving carbon neutrality in healthcare facilities as early as 2045. This plan focuses on four key areas: (i) reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient technologies; (ii) ensuring safe and comfortable environments for patients and staff; (iii) promoting green and smart building practices; and (iv) transitioning to renewable energy while conserving biodiversity.

Globally, the programme aligns with the planetary health agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, affordable energy, innovation, responsible consumption and climate action. This holistic approach acknowledges that human health is intricately linked to the health of the environment.

The programme is built around four pillars, with a variety of initiatives working together to create greener and more sustainable hospitals.

Energy Management takes centre stage, with hospitals adopting technologies like solar PV systems, magnetic chillers, smart air handling units, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and solar thermal systems. Notable projects include solar photovoltaic (PV) installations at Hospital Sultanah Maliha in Langkawi, a solar tubular skylight at Hospital Serian in Sarawak, and hybrid street lighting at Hospital Seberang Jaya in Penang. These efforts have saved 1.046GWh across 44 projects — equivalent to RM439 million — and a reduction of 702,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Indoor Air Quality is another priority, with hospitals using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and CO2 monitoring systems to prevent sick building syndrome, ensuring healthier environments for patients and staff.

Waste Management initiatives, such as 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) stores and composting machines, aim to cut waste by 5% by weight, reducing the burden of medical and plastic waste on the environment.

Water Management is also emphasised, with rainwater harvesting systems and digital water meters optimising water use in facilities like Hospital Sultanah Maliha, supporting climate resilience in the face of increasing water stress.

The journey of Malaysia’s green hospitals is one of hope, innovation and resilience. By integrating green and smart technologies, they are reducing their environmental impact while enhancing patient care. These efforts are more than just about operational efficiency — they represent a commitment to planetary health, recognising that the well-being of people is inseparable from the health of the ecosystems that sustain them.

Hospitals, as high-traffic hubs filled with patients and visitors, serve as ideal platforms for public education on climate change and planetary health. By showcasing sustainable practices, they can inspire broader behavioural shifts in communities, reinforcing the message that a healthier planet leads to healthier people and a greener Malaysia.

Looking ahead, the MoH will expand its sustainability programme to include electric ambulances, large-scale solar PV systems, energy storage systems and waste-to-energy technologies. Digitalisation and real-time energy monitoring will further drive sustainability. Innovative models, such as public-private partnerships and green concessions, will also be explored, with plans to extend the programme to public health clinics (KKs) and the private health sector.

The MoH remains steadfast in its mission to leave a healthy, habitable planet for future generations. Let us celebrate these hospitals as pioneers of change, proving that when it comes to planetary health, every action counts and every effort matters. Together, we can build a sustainable environment, ensuring a greener, healthier Malaysia for all.

Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan is the director-general of Health. Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood is the executive director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University, Malaysia.

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.