TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The health ministry said 26 medical institutions under its management will review their carbon emissions by early next year as part of its commitment to Taiwan’s net-zero 2050 goal.
Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) told reporters on Friday (Dec. 6) that the commitment is part of a sustainable development agreement signed with the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy and others, per CNA.
Chiu said the evaluations will build on work done with the environment and economic ministries. They have promoted carbon reduction and green energy education programs in medical institutions.
The ministry’s social welfare organizations Deputy Director Lin Ming-nan (林名男) said the carbon inventories will be completed by March 2025. The ministry said the institutions that will complete the carbon inventories include those directly under its management and facilities associated with universities in Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Yunlin, and Tainan.
Lin added that he has been appointed director of a newly created ministry agency responsible for promoting sustainable healthcare. He said the agency will focus on reducing the emissions produced by medical care, promoting digital transformation, creating staff-friendly workplaces, and providing high-quality medical care.
The health ministry is responsible for 21 general hospitals, five psychiatric centers, and one respiratory health center.