Thuringian social associations demand money for sustainable care facilities!

Thuringian social associations demand money for sustainable care facilities!

In Thuringia, social associations are urgently calling for investment aid for climate-resilient and sustainable facilities in childcare and geriatric care. This requirement should be understood particularly against the background of the current challenges caused by rising temperatures, which represent a significant burden for children and older people. The chairman of the League of Free Welfare in Thuringia, Lars Oschmann, emphasizes that current investments only focus on necessary renovations, but not on creating sustainable solutions for the future.

Oschmann makes it clear that sponsors often shy away from investing in climate adaptation for financial reasons. The costs incurred would be passed on to the municipalities or the residents of nursing homes. In order to reduce operating costs in the long term, according to Oschmann, it is necessary to develop funding programs and support the construction of photovoltaic and wind turbines through cooperatives. Adaptations are essential, especially for older buildings, while new buildings already take sustainable aspects into account.

The healthcare sector is a major source of emissions

The healthcare sector in Germany has a significant impact on the national ecology. With a share of 13.1% of gross domestic product and a gross value added of 441 billion euros in 2021, the sector is an important branch of the economy. At the same time, however, it causes around 70 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents, which corresponds to 5.2% of Germany's total emissions. In addition, the health sector's resource consumption is around 107 million tons, which accounts for 5% of the total raw material consumption in Germany Nursing network Germany reported.

In order to meet the challenges of climate protection, the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) commissioned a report. This provides an inventory of sustainability activities in over 15 areas of the healthcare system. At the same time, opportunities to save resources and energy and reduce costs open up in the care sector. Institutions such as the BruderhausDiakonie with EMAS certification or the AWO with the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2040 show how climate protection is already being successfully put into practice.

Recommendations for sustainable care

The recommendations for the care sector are varied and include simple measures such as switching to LED lighting and using green electricity. Larger institutions could support the implementation of environmental management systems through full-time sustainability managers. In order to achieve further progress, clear regulatory frameworks for climate-friendly care are necessary.

In addition, it is recommended to develop advice, handouts and checklists on sustainability measures, especially for outpatient care services. Digitalization in nursing documentation can also have a further positive impact on sustainability effects. Overall, measures such as energy-efficient building renovations, the promotion of e-mobility and waste management optimization are key options for action to make care sustainable.