Sustainability

Pillars Green Deal Sustainable Healthcare 3.0

• Promoting health for patients and employees

  This pillar focuses on increasing awareness and knowledge about the impact of healthcare on the climate and vice versa. We focus on development-oriented care, a health-promoting work environment, a sustainable building, and healthy nutrition.

  Development-oriented care

  The well-being of the child is our top priority at the Prinses Máxima Center. We aim to promote children's development and quality of life, considering their physical, emotional, and social needs. These aspects are reflected in the building's design: movement, social interaction, privacy, self-direction, natural light, and a green environment.

  Health promoting work environment

  We strive for a work environment that positively stimulates vitality and sustainable employability. This is achieved through a continuous offer of various activities and by actively highlighting key vitality themes. Additionally, two professional support consultants assist employees with stress management and work-life balance. Our employment policies also include incentives for sustainable commuting and sports activities.

  Sustainable building

  Our building is designed with sustainability and a healthy environment in mind. Abundant natural light, warm colors, and natural materials create a pleasant atmosphere. The construction and interior design feature energy-efficient installations and long-lasting materials. The roof hosts 1,930 solar panels, and an aquifer thermal energy storage system optimizes heating and cooling efficiency. During renovations and new projects, we prioritize material reuse and sustainable solutions.

  Healthy nutrition

  Our food concept offers a tailored and varied selection of meals. Since early 2024, we have been part of the national alliance ‘Goede Zorg Proef Je’, which promotes healthy and sustainable food in hospitals. Nutrition plays a crucial role in cancer treatment and recovery. Our restaurant emphasizes healthy and sustainable food, including plant-based meals, organic dairy, and innovative products. By making smart purchasing decisions and reducing food waste, we make a daily impact. Our commitment to the alliance ‘Goede Zorg Proef Je’ ensures that our nutrition contributes to the health and quality of life of children, parents, and employees.

• Education and awareness

  By sharing information on how our care impacts the environment and climate, we enhance awareness among employees and encourage sustainable choices. We achieve this through initiatives like a ‘Freezer Challenge’, as well as sustainability presentations and events.

• CO₂ reduction

  The Máxima Center is committed to reducing CO2 emissions. Our policy aims for a 55% reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Concrete measures include expanding solar panel capacity, optimizing energy installations, and developing a CO2 roadmap to reduce gas consumption. Additionally, we initiate projects to minimize overall energy use.

• Circular operations

  We are committed to circular operations. ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ (CSR) is a key criterion in our procurement policy. We implement initiatives to reduce or reuse medicines, medical devices, and packaging. We explore available innovations and best practices in the healthcare sector to improve sustainability. In construction projects, we prioritize sustainable materials and reuse, ensuring that our facilities remain long-lasting and adaptable. Additionally, we focus on waste prevention and optimal waste separation to facilitate recycling.

• Reducing pharmaceutical waste

  Our hospital pharmacy is working to reduce pharmaceutical waste in water by reusing returned medication and minimizing waste. Strategies include batching patient-specific preparations and extracting multiple doses from a single package. Patients also receive home medication in returnable containers that are reused, reducing waste and ensuring precise dosages. In 2025, the pharmacy will start 3D printing medication, a breakthrough technology that allows for highly customized oral medication tailored to each child’s needs, leading to more effective treatments. This is a major sustainable innovation in our research hospital.

  Sustainability in the lab

  Through Green Labs, the Máxima Center research institute is working towards more sustainable laboratories and a greener future. Two researchers from the Máxima Center initiated this project, which enables scientists across the Netherlands to share ideas and information on sustainable lab practices. Using the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), we are making our laboratories greener and providing research groups with tools to improve sustainability.

  Want to learn more about sustainability at the Prinses Máxima Center? Click here, or watch the video.