The 4 Rs of sustainability
HUB carries out an active strategy in favor of environmental sustainability and resource optimization. Following the concept "Caring for People | Caring for the Planet," measures have been implemented that can be categorized according to the 4 Rs of sustainability: Rethink, Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse.
Rethink
We conduct awareness campaigns to encourage everyone to understand the importance of their individual role in this area. This way, we seek collaboration from everyone to achieve the goals of the other Rs. Recently, we conducted an awareness campaign for World Environment Day and a campaign on the rational use of water.
Here you will find an interactive infographic with tips to promote environmental preservation.
Recycle
In the last quarter of 2022, we installed containers for batteries. At the beginning of 2023, we installed recycling machines for plastic and cans (Reciclos). Additionally, we also generate informative materials for professionals about optimal management of healthcare waste.
Reduce
To reduce waste generation, various measures have been implemented, such as installing five drinking water fountains in the hospital cafeteria and providing reusable bottles to all professionals at the center. This has also promoted the use of containers in sustainable formats. Other actions being carried out to reduce the hospital's ecological footprint include: suspending irrigation during drought episodes; the project to install photovoltaic solar panels on roofs (aiming to achieve 5% of total consumption); installing low-consumption lighting with motion activation; a lighting control system with automatic light level regulation; turning off night security lights; and automatically activating the chillers.
Since July 2022, following the "Caring for People | Caring for the Planet" strategy, we have donated food surpluses, such as unopened packaged meals or menus that do not get served, to local social organizations, ensuring food safety. As part of this initiative, L'HUB has signed an agreement with the Pont Alimentari project, which delivers surpluses to the La Vinya Foundation and the Àurea Foundation, non-profit organizations that assist vulnerable individuals in Hospitalet de Llobregat. In the first six months, food waste was significantly reduced, with up to 3,796 meals donated.
Reuse | Project Engrunes
In line with the sustainability strategy "Caring for People | Caring for the Planet," in 2022 we participated jointly with the Metropolitan South Primary Care (APMS) in the European Week for Waste Prevention with a circular economy project from ICS. Specifically, we have given a second life to sheets from Bellvitge Hospital. With the participation of the Engrunes Foundation, up to 3,000 kg of textiles have been reused, which will replace up to 300,000 plastic bags from the hospital and APMS. Watch the video here.