Funding Opportunity for Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Healthcare Systems

The programme focuses on advancing technological developments and frameworks for greening and decarbonising the healthcare sector, generating evidence on health costs and benefits of climate actions, enabling policymakers to develop informed environment and health policies, supporting governments and public health authorities in addressing climate-related health challenges, and empowering populations with tools and knowledge to adopt health-protective behaviours.

With a total funding allocation of 45 million euros and individual project funding ranging between 7 to 8 million euros, the opportunity is open to any legal entity worldwide, including organizations from non-associated countries and international entities, provided they meet the eligibility conditions under the Horizon Europe framework.

The initiative addresses the significant environmental footprint of the health sector, which contributes nearly five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and places demands on energy, materials, and ecosystems. It recognizes the urgent need for mitigation efforts that reduce emissions and pollution while improving public health outcomes and relieving pressure on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

At the same time, healthcare systems are increasingly strained by the impacts of climate change, including pressure on infrastructure, workforce, and service delivery. This programme encourages the development of inclusive and accessible interventions that enhance resilience, preparedness, and prevention of climate-related health risks across communities and healthcare settings.

Research activities are expected to generate evidence on the co-benefits of climate mitigation in healthcare and promote the development of low-carbon medical technologies and digital solutions. Proposals should also contribute to designing scalable, cost-effective, and transferable interventions and frameworks applicable across diverse healthcare environments and societal contexts, including both living and working environments.

The scope includes the development and piloting of interventions to reduce health vulnerability and improve resilience, the creation of methodologies to assess cost-effectiveness of adaptation strategies, and the establishment of frameworks and metrics to evaluate mitigation measures. It also encourages exploration of preventive healthcare practices, strengthening of healthcare infrastructure and supply chains, and assessment of the role of primary care in enhancing community preparedness.

The programme supports innovation in low-carbon medical technologies and digital tools aimed at reducing emissions and pollution associated with healthcare practices and their supply chains. Proposals may include health technology assessment activities to evaluate these solutions.

For more information, visit European Commission.