New study by Witten/Herdecke University shows how hospitals are driving climate protection forward
While some clinics are already pursuing comprehensive climate strategies, others have a lot of catching up to do - especially when it comes to involving employees.
A recent study by Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) is the first to take a comprehensive look at the climate protection strategies of German hospitals. The research shows that strategic leadership and targeted communication by hospital management have a significant influence on the success of climate protection measures.
Hospitals are among the largest energy consumers in the health care system and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Lara Schmidt, a doctoral student at the Chair of Management and Innovation in Health Care at Witten/Herdecke University, and Chair holder Prof. Dr Sabine Bohnet-Joschko analysed how climate protection is organised and communicated in German hospitals based on a nationwide online survey of hospital management.
Clear responsibilities and strategic planning are crucial
Using a cluster analysis, the researchers identified four different types of hospitals that differ significantly in their approach to climate protection measures - from the "ambitious newcomers" with hardly any strategic orientation to the "well-positioned professionals" who have already institutionalised climate protection.
The study shows that the group of professionals is characterised by clear responsibilities, regular communication on climate protection and strategically planned sustainability management - and thus also motivates employees to get involved in climate protection. The researchers conclude that the topic must be prioritised and communicated transparently by the management level in order to really get through in everyday hospital life.
Management level plays a key role in the implementation of climate protection measures
"Our findings emphasise the key role of hospital management in implementing effective climate protection measures. Without clear leadership and communication, the potential of employees remains untapped," explains Lara Schmidt. Prof Dr Sabine Bohnet-Joschko adds: "The identified strategy types offer hospitals an opportunity to classify their own position on climate protection - and to plan their next steps."
Against the backdrop of growing regulatory requirements for sustainability and reporting obligations, the study provides a sound basis for anchoring climate protection strategically and with foresight in everyday hospital life.
For the article:
Schmidt, Lara, & Bohnet-Joschko, Sabine (2025). Emergent climate protection strategies in German hospitals: A cluster analysis. PLOS One, 20 (5).
The article is freely accessible at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0312661