Health Care Without Harm Europe

Introduction

We are Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe. We exist to create a sustainable healthcare sector that helps people to live more healthily on a healthier planet. We are a network of thousands of hospitals, healthcare leaders, and healthcare professionals, with members across Europe and partners across the globe. Together we prove that it’s possible to deliver the highest quality of care in a way that is sustainable environmentally and financially.

2025 LIFE Programme

Our 2025 LIFE programme focuses on 5 key Work Packages:

1. Organisational Development
2. Network Development
3. Climate-smart Healthcare
4. Circular Healthcare
5. Safer Pharmaceuticals

The primary goal of the project is to transform the European healthcare sector into one that is sustainable and resilient, aligned with the EU’s environmental and climate objectives.

Specific Objectives

Climate-smart Healthcare

The European healthcare sector is transformed into a net-zero carbon and climate-resilient sector that protects public health from climate change and accelerates the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Circular Healthcare

European health systems drive markets towards toxic-free products that conserve finite resources, minimize waste, and contribute to an ethical supply chain and circular economy.

Safer Pharma

Pharmaceutical pollution and its contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is minimized.

Theory of Change

To achieve this, we will apply our Theory of Change model:

Innovating Practice

We will pilot and promote sustainable healthcare solutions at hospitals.

Informing Policy

We will build a strong evidence base to support and inform policy changes.

Shifting Culture

We will raise awareness of healthcare's environmental impacts and the need for sustainable practices among all health and climate stakeholders.

Conclusion

Accordingly, the project will promote best practices, support policy implementation, and catalyse sustainable solutions, aligned with the objectives of the LIFE Programme.