The One Health approach recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. The EU is devising a European flagship initiative for health; the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) published an opinion advocating this initiative in 2023 and is now working on another opinion on it.

Climate change, decreasing biodiversity and increasing environmental pollution are shaping human health. The COVID-19 pandemic made it all too clear that health is not limited by borders and that healthcare services need to be prepared, more circular and consequently more resilient.

As significant consumers of resources and producers of waste, healthcare centres play a pivotal role in this dynamic. The EU's Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) offers a framework for these institutions to assess, manage and enhance their environmental performance.

By adopting EMAS, healthcare centres can:

• reduce their consumption of energy, water and materials;
• decrease waste generation and enhance reuse and recycling;
• ensure that they comply with environmental rules and regulations;
• enhance their reputation with stakeholders and the public by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

By joining EMAS, healthcare centres reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to the broader One Health objective of promoting a healthier planet and population.

This webinar will:

• introduce the One Health concept and highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health;
• provide an overview of EMAS in the healthcare sector;
• share the experience of EMAS-registered healthcare centres on how they reduced their environmental impact and transformed their activities into more circular processes.

Draft programme

10:00-10:05 Welcome by the European Commission

10:05-10:15 The One Health concept

10:15-10:30 The environmental impact of the health sector and importance of a systematic approach to environmental management 

10.30-11:30 The good news: healthcare centres are already working on this! Presentation of good practices. 

11.30-12:00 Q&A

This event will take place online at 10:00-12:00 CEST on 20 May.

Registration.