TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's major hospitals face a looming deadline to measure their carbon footprints by December, with mandatory public disclosure of these findings beginning in 2026, according to an announcement Friday (April 18) from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛服部), Taiwan's national healthcare authority. The requirement stems from the recently implemented "Climate Change Response Act" (氣候變遷因應法), legislation aimed at reducing the island nation's greenhouse gas emissions across sectors.
The policy was unveiled at the Green Healthcare Forum organized by Taipei Medical University, one of Taiwan's prominent medical education institutions. Liu Yueh-ping (劉越萍), who heads the MOHW's Department of Medical Affairs (醫事司), the government division overseeing medical practices, described the carbon audits as essential for Taiwan's broader climate goals. The gathering featured sustainability innovations from multiple healthcare facilities, including Taipei Medical University Hospital (北醫附醫), Wanfang Hospital (萬芳醫院), and Shuang Ho Hospital (雙和醫院), alongside government representatives.
The legislation broadens greenhouse gas monitoring requirements to businesses with measurable emissions and establishes financial penalties ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$1 million (approximately US$3,075 to US$30,750) for institutions failing to comply, Liu explained. She emphasized these carbon measurements as foundational for healthcare facilities' environmental initiatives. Taiwan's government has already helped 20 medical institutions complete similar assessments, recommending upgrades to lighting systems, climate control equipment, and renewable energy adoption that could reduce energy consumption by 5% to 10%. More than 600 healthcare professionals across multiple departments have received specialized environmental management training to strengthen institutional sustainability practices.
Taiwan's healthcare sector contributes approximately 4.6% of the island's carbon footprint, marginally exceeding the worldwide average of 4.4%, according to Deputy Minister of Environment Yeh Jiunn-horng (葉俊宏). The government's comprehensive strategy encompasses extending carbon assessment programs, implementing thorough energy efficiency evaluations for major medical facilities, and advancing sustainable practices including materials recycling, improved wastewater management, and environmentally responsible purchasing policies. These initiatives form part of 14 distinct environmental action areas the government has identified for the healthcare sector. ★
