The CommonWealth Magazine ESG Corporate Sustainability Awards, now in its 21st year, expanded its scope in 2025 to launch Taiwan’s first-ever ESG Healthcare Sustainability Awards. The initiative calls on healthcare institutions to not only protect public health but also to actively fulfill their environmental and social responsibilities, becoming a driving force for a healthier planet. Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital stood out with its outstanding performance in sustainable governance, earning dual honors: the “Model Award” in the Healthcare Sustainability category and the “Top Prize” in the Low-Carbon Operations category, demonstrating its leadership in ESG advancement within the medical field.
Hospital Superintendent Dr. Hong Chih-Hsing emphasized that, in light of intensifying climate and environmental changes, Siaogang Hospital adheres to the principle of “giving back to society” and actively promotes green healthcare as a core governance strategy. From energy management and waste disposal to electronic medical record implementation, as well as the construction of new buildings and renovation of old facilities, the hospital comprehensively assesses its operational carbon footprint. Cross-departmental strategies—spanning clinical, medical, and administrative units—are in place to reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental impact, and foster public awareness and engagement in sustainability.
To further enhance implementation efforts, the ESG Action Office was established in 2022 under the direct leadership of the superintendent. It comprises five key working groups: Environmental Protection, Happy Workplace, Social Inclusion, Hospital Governance, and Medical Excellence. This hospital-wide mobilization fosters a green culture and responds to two major challenges: achieving both medical quality and carbon reduction, and transforming employee mindset toward sustainability, thereby shaping a resilient and inclusive model of healthcare service.
In alignment with the global commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the hospital has earnestly implemented low-carbon strategies with the full support of its staff. These efforts have yielded concrete results: in 2023, the hospital’s total carbon emissions decreased by 20.01% compared to 2020—a testament to its dedication and effectiveness in energy conservation and carbon reduction. Additionally, Siaogang Hospital became one of the few institutions in Taiwan to be certified by TAF under ISO 14064-1, and in 2024, it was awarded the Bronze Net Zero Label by the Taiwan Net Zero Action Alliance, marking a significant milestone on its journey toward environmental sustainability.
Winning the Model Award in Healthcare Sustainability and the Top Prize in Low-Carbon Operations at the 21st CommonWealth ESG Corporate Sustainability Awards highlights Siaogang Hospital’s excellence not only in clinical care but also in its far-reaching impact across environmental, social, and governance domains. The hospital remains committed to enhancing medical innovation and operational resilience, integrating internal and external resources, and working closely with stakeholders to build a net-zero value chain and realize a shared vision for sustainable healthcare.