Current Issue
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR PROMOTING NET-ZERO EMISSIONS IN TAIWANESE HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY FROM INDUSTRY–GOVERNMENT–ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVES
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR PROMOTING NET-ZERO EMISSIONS IN TAIWANESE HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY FROM INDUSTRY–GOVERNMENT–ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVES
Hsiao-Fang Chen*
Nursing Department, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Ph.D. Program in Business and Operations Management
Chang Jung Christian University
*Corresponding Author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Jin-Yuan Chern
Department of Health Care Administration
Chang Jung Christian University
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Hsiu-Hao Liu
Department of Multimedia and Game Development
Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science
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Abstract
Climate change poses a critical and growing threat to public health, while the healthcare sector itself remains a notable contributor to global carbon emissions. Achieving net-zero operations in healthcare has thus become an urgent objective for sustainable development. This qualitative study explores the institutional challenges and strategic responses involved in the decarbonization of healthcare systems in Taiwan. Through 21 semi-structured interviews with experts from government, academia, and healthcare administration, we identified key barriers and opportunities in the path toward carbon neutrality. Thematic analysis revealed eight major challenges: (1) uncertainty and fragmentation in policy and regulatory frameworks; (2) infrastructural limitations and slow adoption of renewable energy technologies; (3) financial pressures and competing operational priorities; (4) lagging carbon data disclosure and fragmented information systems; (5) weak leadership culture and underdeveloped governance mechanisms; (6) low engagement and awareness among clinical personnel; (7) lack of financial incentives and systemic integration of sustainability goals, including barriers to green procurement and circular economy practices; and (8) insufficient external support and underdeveloped public–private collaboration. Despite these obstacles, the experts proposed several strategic responses, such as mentorship models between large and small hospitals, application of smart hospital technologies, cross-departmental collaboration, and the establishment of robust policy incentives. Additional recommendations included the creation of integrated carbon accounting systems, development of multi-level governance platforms, and the promotion of leadership-driven sustainability initiatives. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare leaders seeking to advance net-zero transitions in Taiwan and other East Asian health systems facing similar structural and institutional challenges.
Keywords: healthcare decarbonization; health policy; net-zero transitions; sustainability governance; sustainable healthcare strategies