Green Hospital: Provincial Specialised Healthcare Complex for Lung Diseases, Tuberculosis in Wolica
About this good practice
The use of fossil fuel-based technologies and low energy efficiency contributed to the high maintenance costs of Wolica Hospital. That is why the hospital decided to minimize the institution's impact on the environment and climate, bring economic benefits, increase the quality of services and the comfort of patients and staff through the implementation of green solutions (sustainable practices for laundry services, waste management and public procurement, own wastewater treatment plant (2017), advanced water-pumping room (2019), renovation of hospital buildings(2018)). The latest solutions introduced in 2022-2023 included:
• new unit built using modular technology and recuperation
• PV installation of approx. 200 kWp on roof and ground
• rainwater storage installation
• biodegradable waste composting facility
• 6 air source heat pumps for heating and DHW
• an energy monitoring and management system
Situated in a pine forest, the hospital takes advantage of the beneficial properties of the surrounding green areas. As a result of long-standing activities, the hospital introduced a health path for patients, a garden with gazebo, an outdoor relaxation area, flower beds, feeders, animal nesting boxes, periodic apiaries. Through its actions, the hospital is contributing to slowing down climate change, but is also better prepared for its effects.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The total cost of the investments carried out at Wolica Hospital in recent years and listed above was about PLN 9.5 million. About 99% of this amount came from the funds of the Marshal's Office of the Wielkopolska Region.
Evidence of success
As a result of the 2017-2022 retrofits, the carbon footprint of the facility fell by a total of 106,58 tCO2e. In 2024, the PV installation produced 152,4 MWh of electricity. The hospital reduced operating costs and food waste (by up to 90% per year) and improved the quality of medical care. It was awarded many prizes for green approach and quality of medical services (e.g. Best Hospital of the Wielkopolska Region in the Hippocrates medical plebiscite, Health Care Climate Champion 2023 Europe).
Potential for learning or transfer
Wolica Hospital has introduced a number of solutions to improve the energy efficiency of the facility, increased the use of RES and managed resources responsibly. In Poland, unfortunately, such an approach to hospital management is still not popular, which is why it is so important to spread knowledge of the possible benefits (including economic) of green investments. Wolica Hospital is a member of Global Green and Healthy Hospitals and carries out very clear communication on the eco-friendly approach to facility management and operation. In addition to numerous publications, videos and information on social media, Wolica Hospital has been organizing and hosting the international conference ‘The role of Green Hospitals in counteracting climate change’ since 2022. This is a platform for the exchange of views and experiences on the decarbonization of healthcare. Wolica Hospital strongly contributes to raising awareness of green hospitals in Poland and serves as an excellent example.
Further information
Wolica Hospital - saving lives and the planet, episode 1
Images
Documents
LOW-CARBON-HEALTHCARE.pdf
Green_hospital_summary_2022.pdf
The role of green hospitals in counteracting climate change_international conference.pdf
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Association of Municipalities Polish Network “Energie Cités”