A hospital in the heart of Hanoi with nearly 40% green coverage

Amid an increasingly crowded and stuffy urban area, one hospital stands out by dedicating nearly 40% of its total construction area to green spaces, combining high-quality medical care with environmentally friendly operations. Hanoi French Hospital has received the “Green, Clean Hospital and High-Quality Medical Services” award for 2025.

“Green” is a core philosophy

From the moment you enter the hospital gates, the usual feelings of stress associated with medical facilities seem to fade away, replaced by a peaceful, refreshing calm. The hospital grounds are green, carefully landscaped and resemble a small, tranquil park rather than a traditionalmedical facility.

Through these green spaces providing visual and emotional comfort, reduced urban noise and cleaner air, HFH is able to support patient healing by alleviating stress and anxiety.

At Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), “green” means more than just aesthetics – it’s an organizational philosophy, from top to bottom. This includes a comprehensive waste treatment process that is systematic, closed-loop, and eco-friendly, along with the adoption of modern technologies to minimize emissions and conserve energy. It is a hospital that is truly green – not just in appearance, but in every aspect of its operations.

“We consider environmental protection an essential part of our responsibility in community healthcare. Every eco-friendly initiative is aimed at delivering peace of mind to patients while contributing to a sustainable future for society.” – Mr. Magnus Ericsson, Deputy General Director, HFH

Waste management, emission treatment, and environmental protection

The hospital implements strict waste segregation at the source, using color-coded bins aligned with national standards, supported by visual guides that are simple and easy to follow. Regular training is provided for all staff. All types of waste are collected, stored, and processed under a closed-loop model, closely monitored by professional partners such as URENCO 13 and the Hanoi Urban Environment Company.

The waste storage area is completely separated from treatment zones and is equipped with air-conditioning to maintain a stable temperature, ensuring both safety and hygiene. Compliance with internal waste management procedures consistently reaches between 99.9% and 100%.

For wastewater treatment, the hospital utilizes advanced biological technology, managed and monitored 24/7. The output water consistently meets the National Technical Regulation on Medical Wastewater (QCVN 28/2010/BTNMT).

Activated carbon filtration systems are installed on exhaust outlets of the wastewater treatment system and backup generators to ensure emissions remain within safe environmental limits.

In recognition of these efforts, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Environmental Permit No. 93/GPMT-UBND on May 21, 2024, a formal acknowledgment of the hospital’s environmental stewardship.

To further reduce its environmental impact, the hospital is actively cutting down on plastic waste by digitizing X-ray results, limiting the use of 500ml water bottles, replacing disposable utensils with wooden alternatives, and using biodegradable garbage bags.

In addition to implementing 5S standards, the hospital also enforces a consistent Safety standard across all departments to ensure a safe, efficient, and professional working environment.

Thanks to detailed cleaning protocols for each area, frequent cleaning and disinfection, as well as strict control of waste and emissions to prevent odors and infection risks, the hospital environment remains clean and provides a sense of comfort for patients.

Efficient building management and energy optimization

The hospital utilises s a Building Management System (BMS) to automate equipment and central system controls, optimizing operational parameters to meet regulations and control operating times. Heat from exhaust air is reused for primary cooling of fresh air supplied inside the building.

Ventilation systems in the basements are automatically controlled by CO2 sensors to maintain safe air quality at all times.

The building’s exterior glass walls and windows are made of 14mm thick double-layer vacuum safety glass with an outer UV-protective heat-insulating coating, limiting heat absorption, reducing noise, ensuring visibility, and meeting European safety standards.

Thanks to these solutions, the hospital was honored with the 5-Star Green Energy award-the highest level for key green energy buildings in 2024.

Over nearly three decades of operation, HFH has built a reputation with numerous domestic and international awards such as the Golden Dragon Award for Best Service (2004, 2009), the Vietnamese Brand Gold Cup, Comprehensive Excellent Hospital (Ministry of Health 2007), Second Prize for Energy Efficiency in Construction (Ministry of Industry and Trade 2022), and the 5-Star Green Energy title in 2024.

Moreover, the hospital actively organizes and participates in humanitarian social activities: from blood donation drives, supporting medical supplies for children in highland areas, to outreach medical examinations, spreading a spirit of community healthcare.