GE pilots 'Green Hospital' in Germany

MUNICH — GE and the Asklepios Hospital Group have signed an agreement to create their first project in German healthcare to comprehensively address environmental issues.

The renovation and expansion of one of the hospitals owned by Asklepios in Hamburg, Germany, known as the “Green Hospital” project, will be their pilot hospital in Europe entirely planned and designed on ecological principles.

The Asklepios Hospital in Hamburg is particularly well suited for the “Green Hospital” project. Energy efficiency principles will be employed both in the conversion of existing buildings and the construction of new facilities, expected to be completed in 2013.

“A well-preserved environment is essential for good health. By working with our customers and partners in the conception and design of healthcare facilities, we aim to reduce energy usage, conserve water, generate renewable energy on-site, maintain air quality, reduce waste, increase staff productivity and improve patient satisfaction,” GE chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said at the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement, which took place as part of the celebrations to mark the fifth anniversary of GE’s Global Research Center (GRC) in Germany.

In addition to GE’s close cooperation with Asklepios, the company is actively engaging customers in other parts of Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Middle East to employ environmental concepts in hospitals. 

The “Green Hospital” project is based on a multi-dimensional approach: the combination of ecology, economy and the well being of people in a hospital.