Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Flemish and Dutch (mental) health sectors cause greenhouse gas emissions and therefore will have to make an effort to reduce their climate impact. AIM: To assess whether differences can be found in the climate policies of Flemish and Dutch mental health institutions. METHOD: Descriptive research based on a sustainability questionnaire, in which concrete actions, objectives and ambitions in the field of sustainability were questioned at Flemish and Dutch mental health institutions. RESULTS: 59% and 38% of respectively the Flemish and Dutch institutions fully agreed that sustainability is a very important theme (with a main focus on sustainable energy transition and recycling in both regions). Statistically significant differences between both regions were only found with regard to fostering more sustainable commuting (stronger in Flanders; p < 0.0001). The climate impact of medicines and food, as well as investments in sustainable projects, received little attention. CONCLUSION: Although a substantial part of Flemish and Dutch mental health institutions consider sustainability (very) important, a systemic ‘transformation’ will be necessary to make them climate neutral.
| Translated title of the contribution | Sustainability in Flemish and Dutch mental health care |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 329-333 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie |
| Volume | 65 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |