Rethinking mobility
Under the motto "Fit for the future for town and country", the hospital received the VCÖ Mobility Award this year. The award recognises projects that make mobility more environmentally friendly and reduce energy consumption. The hospital convinced the jury with a broad package of measures that goes far beyond standard solutions. Car parking spaces have been converted into bicycle parking spaces, covered charging areas for e-bikes have been created and employees benefit from repair workshops, bike addresses in the hospital design and discounts at partner companies. There are even incentives for those who rely on their car: those who form car pools receive more favourable parking rates.
All of these measures not only help to reduce emissions, but also have a positive effect on health. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress and increase well-being. The fact that the initiatives are actively co-designed by employees also shows how seriously the hospital takes participation.
EMAS certification as a clear commitment
In addition to the mobility award, the cross-site EMAS certification is another milestone. EMAS ("Eco Management and Audit Scheme") is a demanding EU environmental management system that obliges companies to continuously improve their environmental performance. Following the successful certification of the Ordensklinikum Linz Barmherzige Schwestern in 2021, the Elisabethinen Hospital has now also been recognised. This makes the entire hospital a pioneer in terms of environmental awareness.
Helene Großauer, Environmental and Sustainability Manager at the Ordensklinikum Linz, puts it in a nutshell: "Environmental protection is inscribed in the corporate culture and is becoming increasingly important both within the company and in public discourse."
#schongenial, how the Ordensklinikum Linz uses creative solutions to show that sustainability is not an add-on, but part of everyday life.
