Carbon Footprint Assessment for Organization and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Guideline for Ratchaphiphat Hospital, Medical Service Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess carbon footprint of organization and to provide suggestions on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for Ratchaphiphat hospital. The data were collected from sources and activities that caused greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 fiscal year (Oct. 2018–Sep. 2019) and interviews with 7 staffs. Carbon footprint of each activity in the hospital was calculated in terms of the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂eq) which contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, based on the guidelines by the Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization).

The results showed that the amount of greenhouse gas emissions was 2,027.82 tons CO₂eq/year, which could be divided into 3 types: type 1-direct emission (592.97 tons of CO₂eq/year), type 2-indirect emission from energy use (982 tons of CO₂eq/year), type 3-other indirect emission (271.67 tons of CO₂eq/year) and the additional report type with 181.18 tons of CO₂eq/year. Among all types, type 2 generated the highest greenhouse gas emission (48.43%), followed by type 1 (29.24%), type 3 (13.40%), and the additional report type (8.93%). Recommended measures were as follows: 1) greenhouse gas emissions reductions should be driven continuously in all activities, 2) greenhouse gas emission should be managed in all process, 3) knowledge and skills in organizational carbon footprint assessment should be developed for all staffs, 4) information should be communicated with both hospital staffs and public especially those who are the hospital’s clients, and 5) energy management and energy conservation innovations should be encouraged.