Abstract
This study presents a comparative assessment of the green hospital concept, a key component of environmental sustainability in healthcare, from a Turkish and European perspective. The study's unique feature is the implementation of a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for Türkiye and the explanatory analysis of prominent examples for Europe. The SWOT analysis conducted in Türkiye highlights the Ministry of Health's mandate for environmentally friendly building certifications for hospitals with 200 beds or more and the adoption of sustainable design elements in large-scale city hospitals as strengths. However, high investment costs, lack of standardization of sustainability criteria, and lack of awareness among healthcare professionals were identified as weaknesses. Furthermore, while increasing investment opportunities in this area within Türkiye's developing healthcare infrastructure provide advantages, economic fluctuations and uncertainties regarding the long-term stability of environmental policies were considered threats. In Europe, the green hospital approach is supported by more institutional and measurable outcomes. Notable examples include large-scale programs implemented with carbon neutrality targets under the NHS Green Plan in the UK, carbon footprint calculations conducted in university hospitals in Germany, and sustainability projects developed using a "bottom-up" method in academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Furthermore, certification systems such as BREEAM and LEED Healthcare play a critical role in disseminating green hospital standards in Europe. In conclusion, while the green hospital approach in Türkiye is still in its development, the findings of the SWOT analysis clearly highlight its strengths and obstacles. European examples offer institutional, measurable, and long-term experiences that can serve as a guide for Türkiye. This comparative approach highlights the importance of the green hospital model as a strategic healthcare policy tool that strengthens not only environmental but also economic and social sustainability.
Ethical Statement
This paper is exempt from the Institutional Ethics Committee review since it does not involve human subjects.
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Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Environmental Health |
| Journal Section | Article |
| Authors | |
| Publication Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Submission Date | April 6, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | October 6, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 10 Issue: 3 |
