[Environmental protection laws and regulations in healthcare].

Abstract

Background: The European Union and the German federal government have initiated a climate protection program with guidelines and laws that, for the first time, hold the healthcare sector accountable. The legal provisions have far-reaching implications for hospitals. This article presents the specific provisions to be observed and the best practices for implementing the necessary measures.

Objective: This study aims to provide a concise overview of the legal provisions to be observed in the healthcare sector and to highlight support services for implementation.

Materials and methods: Selective internet research on legal provisions for the healthcare sector and guidance on approach.

Results: The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) with taxonomy came into force on January 5, 2023. The Climate Protection Act, which was amended in April 2024, the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), which came into force in January 2024, and the Supply Chain Sustainability Obligations Act (LKSG) are the most important German legal frameworks to be observed. The EU regulations and the German government's laws pose new challenges for hospitals, but are also an opportunity to tackle the necessary measures to reduce greenhouse gas equivalents in a structured manner.

Conclusion: Achieving climate neutrality by 2045 is in everyone's interest and can only succeed if all sectors contribute. The healthcare sector has not yet been held accountable, despite its significant contribution of approximately 5% to national greenhouse gas emissions. The legal provisions now trigger a necessary transformation but also pose challenges in day-to-day operations, requiring support services.