Implementation of actions targeted at reducing the climate footprint (and consequently the health impacts associated with climate change), including the consumption of energy from clean sources and the substitution of diesel with natural gas as fuel in boilers.

Given the climate and air pollution crisis in Mexico City, the health sector needs to lead by example. Despite its main purpose of caring for people’s health, the health sector generates pollutants that harm health. Therefore, it is necessary to assess pollution sources and apply corrective actions to comply with applicable legislation and mitigate associated impacts. 

1. Assess GHG emissions from energy and fossil fuel consumption.
2. Reduce emissions from fossil fuel consumption through the implementation of new technologies.
3. Reduce costs and emissions through the consumption of electricity from renewable sources.

2019-2030 climate action plan

Goal: 25% reduction of emissions compared to 2018. 

Assessment: identification of main sources of emissions. 

Approach: search for alternatives and financial assessment focused on reducing electricity and fuel consumption. 

Execution

• Purchase 70% of electricity from clean sources.
• Substitute diesel with natural gas as fuel in boilers.
• Substitute water heating equipment with more efficient technology and adapt burners accordingly.

Two CO2 emissions indicators were used for follow-up (table 1). These indicators are measured annually and calculated based on the amount of electricity used and the emission factor value established by the Energy Regulatory Commission (Figure 4).

To ensure accountability, an environmental, social, and governance risk model was adopted (Fernández, 2020), with the aim of obtaining measurements comparable to global systems.

Image

Environmental benefits: significant reductions in CO2 emissions

Image

The chart shows a downward trend in emissions from electricity and fossil fuel consumption.
 

Image

Economic benefits: 26% reduction in previous equipment operating costs, which is equivalent to nearly 1 million pesos annually per campus (approximately USD 50,000). 

Social benefits: Reduced environmental impacts regarding noise and emissions.

• In 2019, a series of existing agreements prevented the contracting of Iberdrola (renewable energy company) for the Santa Fe campus.
• 100% coverage of natural gas supply is still unavailable in the area where the Observatorio campus is located.
• There is resistance to change in the engineering and senior management areas.

The map shows the coverage of natural gas supply in Álvaro Obregón municipality (shaded areas)

• Focusing on patients and vulnerable populations first builds support for broader environmental actions.
• The participation of multiple areas in the energy assessment process was crucial. 
• Identifying low or zero-cost actions is key, such as turning off air conditioners during non-working hours.

• Substitute chiller air conditioners with remote-controlled, energy-efficient equipment featuring metering devices.
• Increase the use of natural gas in water heating equipment by nearly 100%.
• Purchase 100% clean electricity.
• Obtain the environmental compliance certificate.

• Health Care Without Harm & Arup. Health care’s climate footprint. How the health sector contributes to the global climate crisis and opportunities for action.
• (2023, February 23). En aumento las contingencias ambientales en CDMX y área metropolitana [Environmental contingencies increase in Mexico City and the surrounding metropolitan area]. UNAM global.
• (n.d.) Calidad del aire. Mexico City Government.