Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Faculty of Nursing, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Iran
2 School of Management and Medical Informatics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 School of Medical Sciences, Khomein Faculty of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: Hospital administration through green management is essential to reduce costs and mitigate the environmental footprint of healthcare. In Iran, hospitals account for an estimated 7–10% of total public sector energy consumption, and medical waste generation exceeds 250 tons daily, much of which is disposed of without adequate treatment. These factors impose heavy financial and ecological burdens, underscoring the urgency of transitioning toward sustainable hospital systems. Therefore, this study aimed to identify key prerequisites for establishing green hospitals in Iran.
Methodology: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis. Twenty-seven participants—including hospital managers, environmental health specialists, and academic experts—were selected through purposive and snowball sampling until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman framework in MAXQDA version 2018. Trustworthiness was ensured through Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.
Results: Eleven components and 45 actionable items were identified as prerequisites for green hospital development. The most critical areas included waste management (e.g., segregation, mercury reduction), energy management (e.g., optimization of HVAC and lighting), and water management (e.g., low-flow systems, recycling). These domains formed the basis for a locally adapted framework.
Conclusion: Findings highlight the urgent need for Iranian hospitals to adopt comprehensive and context-specific green hospital criteria. Policymakers and hospital managers should use the identified framework to reduce environmental harm, cut operational costs, and improve healthcare quality.
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