Determining Key Sustainability Indicators for Iraqi Hospitals

Abstract

Hospitals are vital facilities that play a fundamental role in protecting human health and promoting community well-being, as they contribute to improving the quality of life and delivering healthcare services at multiple levels. However, due to their high consumption of energy, water, and materials, in addition to the emissions and waste they generate, achieving hospital sustainability has become essential to ensure operational efficiency and reduce environmental, social, and economic impacts. This study aims to determine the key sustainability indicators for Iraqi hospitals, considering their critical role in supporting public health and sustainable development. Based on an extensive review of previous studies, 78 indicators were identified and classified under the environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Their significance was evaluated through a structured questionnaire distributed to engineers and specialists involved in the design and management of sustainable hospitals. A total of 102 valid responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-V26). The Relative Importance Index (RII) was applied to assess the relative significance of each indicator, while the Pareto principle was used to select the most influential ones. The results revealed 16 key sustainability indicators that represent the main priorities for enhancing the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of Iraqi hospitals. These findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers, designers, and healthcare managers seeking to improve hospital sustainability performance within the Iraqi context.