On 5 June, we celebrate World Environment Day — a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet. For HPA Health Group, environmental responsibility is not just a date on the calendar, but a long-standing commitment embedded in its mission since its foundation in 1996. Providing healthcare with ecological responsibility lies at the heart of the Group’s vision, reflecting the belief that human health is deeply connected to the health of the planet.
To ensure the integration of clinical excellence with environmental protection, HPA Health Group has implemented an Integrated Quality and Environmental Management System. This system guides the organisation’s efforts towards balanced and sustainable development. Through continuous assessments of the environmental impact of its activities, the Group identifies opportunities for improvement — focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using energy and water responsibly, and minimising waste production.
Strict hospital waste management is a priority for the HPA Health Group. Waste is carefully sorted into different categories — general, recyclable, hazardous, biological and others — and sent to appropriate final destinations in full compliance with environmental regulations and public safety standards. Staff receive regular training to reinforce the importance of sustainable and conscientious waste practices.
The Group’s environmental commitment is also reflected in responsible supplier selection, prioritising recyclable and biodegradable products. One practical example of this is the decision made several years ago to replace plastic cups with paper ones, significantly reducing single-use plastic consumption across HPA Health Group units.
In the area of energy efficiency, investment has been made in innovative solutions, such as LED lighting, motion sensors, energy-saving equipment, and solar panels. Some hospital units also benefit from intelligent climate control and environmental management systems, ensuring thermal comfort while reducing environmental impact.
In addition to technical measures, the Group promotes internal campaigns to encourage staff to adopt sustainable practices in their daily routines — from reducing plastic use to recycling and responsible resource consumption. One such initiative was the distribution of reusable glass water bottles to staff, encouraging sustainable habits and reinforcing a culture of environmental awareness within the organisation.
By addressing sustainability at every stage of care, HPA Health Group ensures that safety, quality, and respect for the environment go hand in hand. More than a healthcare provider, the organisation sees itself as an active agent in environmental preservation, contributing to a healthier future for all.
This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment: to contribute systematically and sustainably to a healthier, greener, and more balanced future — because there is no health without a healthy environment.
HPA Health Group believes that sustainability and health are inseparable values, essential to ensuring a better future for generations to come.
Because caring for health also means caring for the planet.
Hélia Valente
Gestão de Resíduos
Grupo HPA Saúde
