The green transition of the healthcare sector is urgent. Health and care services contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions, and addressing environmental challenges requires more than green technologies: it also involves transforming behaviors, practices, and workplace environments.

In this context, LUT University in Finland, as part of the CARING NATURE project, has developed an innovative approach: a participatory staff engagement model designed to raise awareness and actively involve healthcare professionals and managers in the green transition within their organizations.

The so-called ENGAGE solution provides a structured learning approach, a library of participatory methods, and practical guidelines for applying these methods in health and care services.

 

Why engage medical staff in the green transition of the healthcare sector ?

Staff behaviors play a central role in adopting sustainable solutions. Participatory engagement enables teams to:

  • undertsand the status, challenges and opportunities of environmental sustainability
  • generate innovative ideas and solutions for green transition
  • contribute to mainstreaming existing practical solutions

By actively involving professionals in decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational development, participatory engagement fosters sustainable changes and helps transform the entire healthcare system.

 

How ENGAGE supports this process

The website provides resources for multiple users: healthcare professionals, managers, policymakers, educators, and organizations. It explains:

  • what participatory staff engagement is and why it matters
  • who can facilitate and how
  • which participatory methods are available and how to apply them
  • use-cases and examples of embedding sustainable practices

ENGAGE also promotes the creation of Communities of Practice (CoPs), where staff collaborate, share knowledge, and co-create solutions for sustainability. These communities encourage collaborative innovation, balancing exploration, critical thinking, and practical implementation of environmentally friendly practices.

Visit the ENGAGE website and find the best participatory method for you !

Contributors: Anne Pässilä (lead author, illustrations), Riika Saurio (editing, technical production, project management), Helinä Melkas (editing, project coordination), Satu Pekkarinen (reviewing), Veijo Ruotanen (cinematography, music and editing).