Health Care Without Harm Europe exists to create a sustainable healthcare sector in Europe, demonstrating alongside our network of thousands of hospitals and healthcare leaders how we can transform healthcare to protect both people and our planet.
From individuals championing sustainability in their workplaces to large hospitals pushing for sustainable practices, we stand side-by-side, sharing insights, inspiration and innovation – and transforming how our healthcare systems work.
Together, we pioneer pilot projects and scale up practical solutions. We foster collaboration to share insights and develop new ideas. We push for policy action that creates more resilient healthcare systems and keeps people and our planet safe. We showcase the potential for sustainable healthcare that not only improves patient care but saves money too.
Our vision
A sustainable healthcare sector in Europe that does no harm and improves human and environmental health.
Our mission
Transform the healthcare sector so that it reduces its environmental footprint, becomes more resilient, and establishes itself as a leader for sustainable development in Europe.
Our strategic goals
Circular Healthcare
European health systems drive markets towards toxic-free products that minimise waste.
Climate-smart Healthcare
The European healthcare sector is transformed into a net zero carbon and climate-resilient sector.
Safer Pharma
Pharmaceutical pollution and its contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is minimised.
More about HCWH Europe
Our team
Our team is comprised of passionate, dedicated professionals with a unique range of skills and expertise, all committed to achieving HCWH Europe’s mission.
Our board
The Board supports the organisation by providing mission-based leadership and strategic governance, and plays an integral role in supporting the leadership team to advance the organisation’s mission, vision, and programmatic goals.
Global Green and Healthy Hospitals
Our members are part of the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) network. GGHH is the largest sustainable healthcare network in the world, focused on the interests and needs of healthcare sustainability practitioners. In Europe, we currently have 194 GGHH members in 27 countries, representing a movement working towards a more sustainable healthcare sector on the continent.
Our members help drive our programme work by collaborating on advocacy actions and designing and testing practical solutions that demonstrate what is possible for sustainability in healthcare settings.
Strategic partnerships
HCWH Europe’s network development model is built on the principles of shared added value - the relationships we build with our stakeholders leverage our combined strengths to achieve an impact that could not be accomplished independently. We are continually developing our network of strategic partners that share common goals.
Foundations and institutional partnerships
We work closely with, and receive funding from, a number of trusts, foundations, and institutional donors, building on shared learning and expertise to create meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute towards our goal of a more sustainable healthcare sector.
Coalitions and networks
As well as operating our own networks, HCWH Europe is a member of several international coalitions and networks working together on shared goals with shared values.
HCWH Europe at 20 years
HCWH Europe celebrates two decades of sustainable healthcare with its new anniversary report. Sustainable healthcare: the past, the present, and the future looks back at progress across the sector in Europe since HCWH Europe’s founding in 2003, and ahead, to the next 20 years to come.
HCWH Europe annual reports
Read about our work in our previous reports.
Health Care Without Harm Europe is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation. All our funds are used for educational and information purposes targeted to our key audiences: the health sector, health professionals, policy makers and the general public. Throughout our history, HCWH Europe's funding has come from foundations, the EU Commission, national health and environment ministries within Europe and individual supporter donations.
As a commitment to our transparency, HCWH Europe's Articles of Association can be viewed online as well as our sustainability policy. HCWH Europe is an international non-profit association (AISBL) registered in Belgium and is also listed on the EU Transparency Register. We also make our audited finances publicly available.
Why work at HCWH Europe?
- Make a difference: Contribute to the growth of an ambitious, collaborative, and impactful international NGO.
- Global impact: Make a lasting and tangible impact in reducing the environmental impact of healthcare and safeguarding public health in Europe and beyond.
- Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom of a four-day week working schedule, alongside flexible and hybrid work options, enabling a healthy work-life balance for all staff.
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