PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, has become the first health company in the Middle East, Africa and Asia to commit to net zero emissions by 2040 in alignment with Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
This is a decade before the deadline by when the world must reach net zero to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Announced to mark the UAE’s staging of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), during its Year of Sustainability, the pledge underscores the company’s commitment to the nation’s net zero pathway and to raise sustainability awareness across the healthcare sector.
Schneider Electric Drives Healthcare Sector Towards Decarbonisation on World Health Day
The UAE became the first Middle East and North African country to announce a net zero emissions target when it declared the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative in October 2021, prior to COP26 in Glasgow.
At COP27 the following year, it outlined its strategy to achieve the target, the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway, based on sector-specific plans.
Earlier this year, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, revealed Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sustainability goals in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023.
The goals aim to reduce carbon emissions by 20% in 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. Through these goals, DoH seeks to set a roadmap for the emirate’s healthcare sustainability progress and accelerate alignment across the ecosystem.
PureHealth’s Net Zero by 2040 pledge was announced at the Longevity of the Planet summit in Abu Dhabi.
The event was attended by H.E Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate; H.E Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; H.E Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; and other government dignitaries.
H.E Dr Al Jaber said: “Climate change presents a serious threat to human health with health shocks and stresses already pushing around 100 million people into poverty every year.
"If the world doesn’t take decisive action, this will only worsen. That’s why I’m pleased to see PureHealth pledging to meet net zero by 2040 today - setting their ambitions on climate actions high.
"COP28 will create a breakthrough moment for climate and health, by being the first to devote an entire day of the agenda to health, and the first to deliver a health and climate ministerial."
H.E Almheiri commended PureHealth for their ambition to be Net Zero by 2040 and setting a remarkable example for the healthcare industry in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. She also said that achieving sustainability goals is vital not only for safeguarding the environment but also for ensuring the well-being and resilience of communities.
H.E Al Mansouri said: “Under the directives of our leadership, DoH continues to lead the healthcare sector’s sustainability agenda through ensuring the availability of a roadmap that equips the ecosystem with the means to achieve sustainable operations and practices."
Farhan Malik, Managing Director and CEO of PureHealth, said: “We hope our bold move will inspire other companies to accelerate their decarbonisation efforts."
With the global healthcare sector accounting for around 5% of carbon emissions, but around 10% of global GDP, PureHealth has developed a comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap encompassing a range of more responsible business practices such as sustainable procurement, improved waste management and stricter control on fugitive emissions.
Carbon emissions will be further reduced through more energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure, and cleaner transport fleets. The adoption of clean and renewable energy is another priority.
PureHealth’s holistic sustainability strategy prioritises advances in patient care. For example, Virtual Care services will be expanded to deliver healthcare outside traditional clinics and hospitals.
Read More: UAE Ministry Hosts 4th Veterinary Medicine Scientific Forum - One Health Approach for Sustainability