“ESG is more than an acronym, it’s an agenda that has no turning back. Environmental, social and governance issues are at the top of the agenda for both public authorities and the private sector. As companies dealing in the health sector, we have a duty to remain protagonists in this scenario,” said Jorge Khauaja, Manager of ABIMED’s Legal and Compliance Committee, at the launch of the special publication on ESG Initiatives by ABIMED’s Members. The event took place on October 10th, as part of the ABIMED Dialog activities, at the head office in São Paulo (SP).

In an unprecedented initiative, the organization has brought together 12 successful experiences in the magazine “Iniciativas ESG – Associadas ABIMED” (ESG Initiatives – ABIMED Members), compiling solutions and strategies from companies in various segments that show how these principles have been applied in the medical industry.

For Fernando Silveira Filho, the organization’s executive president, “when it comes to this agenda, we need to have specific cut-outs. Within the healthcare business environment, we have been closely following the solutions that companies are adopting, depending on their activity. The issue of solid waste is the one that most affects the sector, but issues such as decarbonization, mental health and governance are also gaining relevance and changing the focus of organizations.”

Take a look at the innovative projects included in the publication, which can inspire other companies on their journey towards more sustainable action:

Baxter – Advances in natural resource management: a path to a better future

BD – Commitment to a more sustainable future and measurable changes

Carl Zeiss – Climate action, circular economy and social engagement as ESG pillars – the company’s representative, Raquel Alvarez, pointed out that the company’s biggest leap in this area was obtaining ISO 14001, a certification for environmental management systems, and that it is necessary to involve all employees in changing the culture around the ESG agenda.

Fresenius Medical Care – Ecological innovations and corporate responsibility in kidney treatment

GE Healthcare – Green Team Network: joining forces for sustainability

Johnson & Johnson MedTech – Committed to humanity’s health goals 2025

Medtronic – Gender equity and ESG for a more equal work environment

Philips – Moving forward with eco-design, circular economy and sustainable partnerships

Roche Farma – More inclusive, integrated and humanized health: more behavioral initiatives

Siemens Healthineers – Expanding access to health with equity in care and quality

Smith + Nephew – ESG and pressure injury prevention in healthcare: a sustainable allianceStrattner – Sustainable governance and clean energy: transforming the health sector

According to Khauaja, the idea is to launch a new edition at the end of each year. “We hope that by 2024 we’ll have even more success stories. The more we publicize initiatives that can be replicated, the greater the gain for all our members,” he said.

ABIMED’s president also recalled that the organization’s efforts in this regard are notorious, which led it to become a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, which set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to make the world fairer and more equal for all. Among the goals, SDG 3 provides for “guaranteeing access to quality health care and promoting well-being for all ages”, thus guaranteeing sustainable development.  To access the ABIMED publication click here.