GreenTech healthcare call launched to future proof health sector with sustainable alternatives

Posted on: 08 October 2024

In a national first, Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI), with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Irish College of GPs (ICGP) is launching the GreenTech in healthcare call. The three leading healthcare organisations are searching for innovative products and services that promote environmental sustainability in both primary and secondary healthcare.

Trinity College Dublin is a partnering institution of HIHI. HIHI is a national collaboration composed of founders, strategic and industry partners and alliance members. This creates a unified national approach to accelerate the development of health relevant industries.

(L-R) Dr Philip Crowley, HSE, Dr Andree Rochfort,ICGP, Eimear Galvin HIHI TCD, Roisin Breen, HSE at the launch of GreenTech in healthcare call

The Irish healthcare sector is responsible for an estimated 5 per cent of the country's Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, the sector uses a high volume of single use products, adding to resource use and waste. The national GreenTech in healthcare call is focussed on three key areas:  

1. Production: Single-use medical products often involve resource-intensive processes, using plastics and other materials that require significant energy inputs. This results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions.  
2. Disposal: Many healthcare items are designed for single use and create a constant stream of waste. The disposal process, whether it involves incineration (which can release harmful emissions and substances) or landfilling (which leads to issues like leachate, soil contamination, and methane emissions), adds to the environmental and health burden.   
3. Decontamination: The combination of processes including cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation used to render reusable invasive medical devices safe for handling by staff and for service users. Effective decontamination of reusable invasive medical devices is an essential component in the prevention of healthcare associated infections. 

The focus areas are informed by HIHI Clinical Sustainability Advisors (CSA) from across Ireland who work on the frontline and are committed to sustainability in Irish healthcare. These clinical experts have also highlighted a particular need to develop and test alternatives in the following areas:  syringes/sharps, bottles, packaging, cutlery and crockery, nappies and sanitary products, medical textiles (including surgical gowns, theatre drapes, aprons, masks, hats accessories). 

Through the call, HIHI, HSE and the ICGP will stimulate and support the development and testing of innovative products and services that promote environmental sustainability in the three focus areas. Health Innovation Hub Ireland, will test and evaluate the winning submissions. HIHI is a joint government initiative of the Department of Health and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, which is delivered through a national HSE and Enterprise Ireland partnership. 

HIHI TCD Manager and national GreenTech lead Eimear Galvin said:

“Sustainability is crucial in Irish healthcare to ensure the long-term viability of the system while addressing current and future health challenges. It involves efficient resource use, reusing environmental impact and reusing where possible.

“Health Innovation Hub Ireland TCD recognises the link between the health and wellbeing of individuals and the health and wellbeing of the environment. Climate change is a significant threat to public health, the health and human services system and the social determinants of health and wellbeing. HIHI is committed to stimulating and supporting the development of innovative products and services that promote environmental sustainability in healthcare.”

HIHI National Director Dr Tanya Mulcahy said: 

“GreenTech in healthcare represents a growing movement within the global health industry to adopt technologies and practices that are environmentally sustainable, aiming to improve health outcomes while minimising ecological footprints.  

“HIHI is committed to the development of innovative sustainable products and services for Irish healthcare. Through engaging national partners, the HSE and ICG we are taking a significant step to begin delivery of this. Crucial to getting the right focus for this call in Irish healthcare is the expertise and guidance our Clinical Sustainability Advisors (CSAs) on the frontline.” 

Dr Philip Crowley National Director HSE Climate and Global Health said:  

“As Ireland’s largest Public Body with a core objective to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public, we recognise we have a significant role to play in tackling the climate crisis. The healthcare sector is a notable contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We are committed to dealing with the growing health impacts of climate change and curbing our own emissions. 

 “The HSE Climate Strategy, launched in June 2023, represented a step-change in intent on climate change and sustainability and this national Greentech call builds on this and actively engages committed clinical personnel to inform our focus.” 

Dr Diarmuid Quinlan, Medical Director of the Irish College of GPs said: 

“The Irish College of GPs supports this call for gathering proposals for innovative ways to improve processes in GP healthcare that will contribute positively to sustainability in healthcare. Irish GPs, GP Nurses and Practice teams, deliver “first point of care” healthcare to the national population, and are well-placed to generate ideas for new ways of working in primary care that can help HSE and HIHI deliver the HSE Climate strategy.” 

More information: The call is open to all companies, organisations, researchers, institutions regardless of size or origin. Applications will be reviewed in two stages. Stage one comprises review of all applications. Applicants that progress to stage two will be invited to pitch before a panel of experts.  Winners will be announced in February 2025. For full submission details, timelines and how to apply please visit: www.hihi.ie

About Health Innovation Hub Ireland  

In 2013, Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) was established by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Health, supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to drive collaboration between the health service and enterprise. HIHI offers companies the opportunity for pilot and clinical validation studies and the health service access to innovative products, services and devices that they may not otherwise be exposed to. HIHI is built on the recognition that collaboration with enterprise can benefit patient care, patient pathways and outcomes. 

About HSE’s National Office for Climate and Sustainability 

The HSE’s National Office for Climate and Sustainability, was established recently with the responsibility for the implementation of the HSE Climate Action Strategy. This office is directed by Dr Philip Crowley, National Director for Wellbeing, Equality, Climate & Global Health and Roisin Breen as the Programme Manager. The office works very closely with HSE Sustainable Infrastructure office to ensure that we are meeting the requirements set out in the Government Climate Action Plan. Our plan has achieved a huge amount of profile, positive interest and support in the wider health system. Progress has been achieved across all 10 strategic objectives. Effective implementation of the HSE Climate Action Strategy at regional and local levels will be key to ensuring the financial and environmental sustainability of our services in the long-term. 

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