Green Hospitals: Management, Innovation, and Care, and Advances in Ecuador.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the importance of green hospitals for management, innovation, care, and advances in Ecuador. Development: There is no clear definition of a sustainable hospital; however, the most reported concept in the literature and global initiatives is that of green hospitals. This concept links a global perspective on environmental management tailored to specific realities, employing environmental strategies from top management to operational levels to prevent environmental impacts. The linkage has been particularly evident within the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network, which has shown progressive advances in Latin America. Ecuadorian hospitals have been participating since 2014, and as of now, six hospitals are committed to actions focused on energy management, waste management, chemical substance handling, and leadership. Conclusions: The mentioned advances present a challenge for nursing and healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge of environmental aspects, increase their familiarity with linking emerging clinical specialties to environmental sustainability criteria, manage green hospitals, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, this green hospitals initiative offers the potential to grow significantly in Ecuador, aligned with national sustainable development agendas for 2030.