The 1st edition of the European Private Hospital Awards took place in Lisbon on Thursday 23 June, at which the Institut Guttmann was awarded in the category of Green Hospitals for its commitment to continuous environmental and energy improvement.

The awards, organized by the European Union of Private Hospitals (UEPH), received 67 applications from 10 countries (Portugal, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, Germany, Romania). and Greece) and an independent international jury oversaw the process of evaluating nominations in categories such as prevention, environmental impact, patient-centered initiatives, or clinical innovation, among others.

The UEPH has highlighted the project presented by the Institut Guttmann: Advancing towards a sustainable hospital, as an example of evolution and environmental improvement, already started at the time of its construction meeting requirements such as making the most of natural light, make use of respectful materials, reduce light pollution, minimize energy consumption, carry out therapeutic landscaping with native plants and trees, avoid as much as possible areas with waterproof pavement, among others, and also formally documenting in 2008 the System of Environmental Management that we currently maintain with the international certifications ISO 14001, 50001 and euroepa EMAS, with the aim of being an organization of excellence, sustainable and respectful with the environment.

The General Management, and in accordance with the Foundation's Code of Ethics, is in charge of the General Services Area, currently Infrastructures, Services and the Environment (ISMA), the implementation of a service. responsible for the relationship of the institution with the environment that works to maintain the maximum of quality and service, avoid misuse of natural resources, apply ecological and / or natural measures in all the circuits that must follow the different services, and launch different alternatives for the energy use of our work processes, and always from the quality, safety and sustainability, providing it annually with a budget in this area.

The Area also raises awareness among workers, patients, relatives and other users of the importance of our collective and individual commitment to the environment, which is currently the example of the environmental culture established in the institution.