A hospital bears responsibility - for the health of its patients and for its staff. But does this also apply to the environment and the air quality of the city of Dresden?
For Dresden University Hospital, the answer is clear. In December, six public charging points were therefore opened and four new e-cars were registered. The mobility offensive is part of the environmental initiative "Carus Green". In our video, Monika Brandt, project coordinator and environmental officer at Dresden University Hospital, explains the reasons.
In 2018, the daily mean value for particulate matter was exceeded 27 times at the three measuring stations in the Dresden city area. The state capital is thus behind Leipzig and ahead of Chemnitz in the frequency of exceedances. Older diesel vehicles and internal combustion engines in particular continue to have a major influence on particulate matter pollution and on the proportion of nitrogen dioxide, according to the city of Dresden. Both types of emissions have a significant impact on the respiratory system and thus the health of Dresden's citizens. "As a maximum care hospital, Dresden University Hospital is a major consumer of resources. We are aware of our responsibility towards the environment and sustainability also plays an important role," says Commercial Director Wilfried E. B. Winzer.
Interview: Monika Brandt, Operations Officer for Environment and Waste, talks about the reasons behind the electromobility offensive at Dresden University Hospital.
This is one of the reasons why Dresden University Hospital is focusing on a preventive mobility offensive: in December 2018, four new electric vehicles were purchased, a VW e-Up, two Nissan vans and a Nissan Leaf. All vehicles are used in different ways. For example, the VW e-Up supports the mobile palliative service, which provides medical support to terminally ill children and adults.
In addition, there are now six public charging points available to visitors, patients and employees of the university hospital. The wall boxes with up to 22 kW charging power are planned, installed and operated by DREWAG. Dr Kathrin Kadner - Head of Sales Business Customers at DREWAG explains: "The installation of six additional public charging points is an important contribution to increasing the attractiveness of sustainable mobility in the city of Dresden. If the people of Dresden can charge up at central important points such as the university hospital, for example during work or during a visit to the hospital, this increases the acceptance of electromobility in the city."
A parking ticket must be purchased for charging, after which the charging points can be used by guests, visitors, patients or other e-car drivers. The charging process can be started and paid for with common access and billing systems such as the StromTicket, the e-charging app or via e-roaming (RFID card, charging key). The wallboxes with type 2 plugs are accessible 24/7 and stored in numerous digital charging cards, so that they can be easily found in the car or smartphone while on the move. More e-cars and charging points are to follow.
ARE ELECTROMOBILITY AND CLIMATE PROTECTION PROFITABLE FOR A HOSPITAL?
For Dresden University Hospital, the decision to use electric mobility was not based purely on cost calculations. In particular, the purchase of electric vehicles, which are sometimes considerably more expensive than petrol or diesel, could only be financed with external funds such as donations. However, e-cars improve air quality, for example, because they are emission-free. Thus, electric mobility is also a means of preventing respiratory diseases. "The e-cars are also very well received by the staff. They are easy to drive and contribute to promoting the health of the patients and staff themselves," explains "Carus Green" coordinator Monika Brandt.
CONCLUSION: For Dresden University Hospital, ELECTRIC MOTOR is A RELEVANT PART OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY
As a maximum care provider, but also a major energy consumer, Dresden University Hospital is a good example of how a company can take responsibility even under difficult conditions. As a healthcare provider, it also has a preventive interest in protecting the environment and especially the air. Electric vehicles can make a contribution to this. However, this requires the commitment of the employees and the support of the board or management. In this video, we present a manufacturing company where environmental protection and electric mobility are also top priorities.
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