Environmental responsibility is a fundamental pillar in the management of the Institut Guttmann
The healthcare sector's climate footprint is equivalent to 4.4% of global emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of 514 coal-fired power plants. Considering that sustainability and healthcare are intrinsically linked, the Institut Guttmann's environmental responsibility, as a healthcare organization, is one of the fundamental pillars of its management.
To achieve sustainable management in all its areas, it is firmly committed to implementing sustainable strategies with the aim of preserving and respecting the planet's natural resources and implementing actions that have a positive impact on its environment and society.
In this context, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) sustainability criteria have acquired particular relevance for the institution in terms of their application in:
In the last three years, we have reduced CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 22.74%, the equivalent of planting 723 trees.
Some results of the Environmental and Energy Policy of the Institut Guttmann
22,74%
is the reduction in CO2 emissions achieved in the last 3 years, the equivalent of planting 723 trees.
1,6 tons
is the reduction in CO2 emissions achieved through sustainable mobility actions.
610 kg
is the CO2 reduction we have achieved thanks to the optimization of food waste segregation.
6.000m3
is the amount of water we have saved, equivalent to 2.5 Olympic swimming pools.
20%
is the amount of energy that we are able to generate for the self-consumption of the facilities.
70%
reduction in power consumption by replacing traditional lighting with LEDs.
Actions taken
- Reduction of water resources
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainable Mobility
- Waste Segregation
Reduction of water resources
- Sensor-equipped faucets.
- Thermal covers to prevent evaporation.
- Therapeutic gardens with native vegetation and programmable, zoned drip irrigation systems that turn off in case of rain, resulting in a 14% reduction in irrigation water over the last 5 years.
- Water transfer prior to cleaning the water tanks.
- Awareness campaigns with the installation of 11 consumption monitoring meters.
Energy efficiency
- Installation of 608 photovoltaic panels.
- Replacement of traditional lighting with LEDs.
- 22.74% reduction in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. We have gone from 954.56 tons of CO2 emitted in 2020 to 737.49 tons in 2022, the equivalent of planting 723 trees.
- We have gone from 6 waste collections per week to 1 per month, with a 96% reduction in fuel consumption thanks to the use of a compactor.
Sustainable Mobility
- The use of hybrid vehicles and the installation of 10 electric chargers between the two centers.
- A Territorial Consolidation care program that avoids unnecessary travel for patients and their families to the hospital and brings treatment and rehabilitation, as far as possible, to centers close to their homes. This impacts emissions but also saves money and time, putting the well-being of patients and families at the forefront.
Waste Segregation
- Introduction of efficient tools for controlling organic waste, reducing CO2 emissions from 624 kg/year to 24 kg/year.
- Currently, 30 different types of waste are segregated.
The Guttmann Barcelona building has BREEAM certification and an A energy rating.
Sustainable Architecture 
Implementation of sustainable construction practices with environmentally friendly materials.
In 1993, with the start of the design of the Neurorehabilitation Hospital in Badalona, and later the Guttmann Barcelona building in 2019, the following criteria were conceived:
- Reducing air conditioning consumption.
- Leveraging natural light with large windows.
- Sustainable gravel roofs for thermal insulation.
- Using environmentally friendly materials that require minimal maintenance.
- The Neurorehabilitation Hospital is integrated into the natural environment of the Serralada de Marina Park with gardens measuring over 10,000 square meters. We use environmentally friendly systems for cleaning and maintaining the undergrowth with our sheep, reducing the use of machinery and avoiding emissions into the atmosphere.
Recognitions
Best in Class Awards
Best Sustainable Hospital 2011
European Union of Private Hospitals
Greenest Hospital in Europe 2022
“Technological Renewal and
Environmental Sustainability” Award
Catalan Society of
Healthcare Management 2024
A policy of continuous improvement supported by the most demanding certifications
Center accredited by the Joint Commission International, which certifies that the Institut Guttmann meets the organization's healthcare quality and management standards.
Center certified with the international IQnet SR10 standard for Corporate Social Responsibility management systems.
Center certified with the international ISO 14001:2018 standard for environmental management systems.
Center certified with the international ISO 50001:2018 standard for energy management systems.
Center accredited according to the European EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) regulation.
Guttmann Barcelona Building built with BREEAM certification.
Committed to the 2030 Agenda
The Institut Guttmann Foundation embraces the challenge of sustainability in all areas of its organization. It is thus committed to fulfilling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It identifies with 15 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to their relevance to the institution.
Treatment scholarships / UBUNTU Program.
Health organization.
University Institute with Official Master's Degrees
Equality Plan and LGBTI Plan.
Sustainability of water resources.
Safe and sustainable energy. Use of renewables.
Economic growth and decent work for all.
Innovation in neuroscience and neurorehabilitation.
Equal rights for people with disabilities.
Guttmann Barcelona Life, inclusive promotion.
Local shopping.
We are taking urgent action to combat climate change.
We protect biodiversity.
We are part of the Global Compact, Transparency Portal, and Non-discriminatory Policies.
We establish alliances with public administrations and other hospitals and research centers.
You may be interested
Corporate Social Responsibility Report
Summary of the most significant events carried out by the organization throughout 2023.
Environmental Sustainability Data
We detail product and material consumption over the past three years, as well as the resources allocated to environmental sustainability.
United Nations Global Compact
Learn the details of the UN initiative leading corporate sustainability worldwide.