According to a report by ARUP, a multinational consultancy company based in London, healthcare is responsible for 4.4% of global carbon emissions. The reports claims that if it were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter in the world.
Forté Health is New Zealand's first hospital to be granted carbon zero certification, by Toitū Envirocare.
Dr Stephen Mark from Forté Health is urging hospitals and healthcare providers to find ways to be the solution and believes although climate change requires global solutions, we may need to change our way of thinking.
"I think one of the things we've seen is that a global problem requires a global solution. But we need to have local leadership, and local examples of where things can be done to make a difference."
"What I think we've tried to do is set an example that it can be done, it should be done, and promoting it will hopefully encourage other hospitals to move forward with their capability of being carbon neutral."
Dr Mark believes healthcare has a responsibility to improve overall public health and reducing emissions is an issue the healthcare sector can't ignore.
"There's no question that in healthcare, one of the things that is important is to improve overall public health and there's no doubt that the carbon production that is leading to climate change and the consequences are a significant public health issue."
He also believes carbon zero qualification is an attainable goal for the rest of New Zealand hospitals.
Toitu Envirocare's carbon zero certification has five steps to it. Measure, reduce, verify, offset, and market.
To lower the carbon footprint of the hospital, Forté Health uses solar panels for energy, compostable medicine trays, and energy-saving lighting systems.
When asked about what he would say if he could speak to all healthcare providers, Dr Mark said he would encourage them, and show them its an attainable goal, and it will improve the quality of care you deliver.
"Net carbon neutral status is attainable in hospitals, it will improve the quality of the care you deliver, and it will improve the healthcare of all New Zealanders by attaining this. Start local, get people interested, and work towards it. It's measurable and attainable."