Media Release
Udupi, Sep 10: CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital, Udupi, has been placed among the top hospitals in the world for environmental sustainability in Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Hospitals 2026 ranking, created in cooperation with global research and data firm Statista. The hospital has earned a four-leaf rating in the ranking, which selected 250 healthcare institutions worldwide after assessing more than 4,000 hospitals across 36 countries.
The achievement is particularly significant for Lombard Hospital as it is one of only 46 hospitals in the Asia-Pacific region and eight hospitals in India to feature in the ranking. It is also a notable recognition for a hospital serving a tier-two city like Udupi. Newsweek is a leading international news magazine and digital media organisation with a global reach.
The healthcare sector itself has a significant environmental footprint, accounting for an estimated 4.5 to 5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Hospitals consume large amounts of energy and water and generate considerable waste, making environmental responsibility an increasingly important part of providing responsible healthcare.
The four-leaf rating recognises hospitals that meet defined standards in green healthcare practices. The assessment considered sustainability data, expert inputs, certifications and accreditations, environmental achievements, commitments and pledges, and the transparency of sustainability reporting.
The recognition comes soon after Lombard Hospital received the HELP Sustainability Excellence Award 2026 for Best Green Energy Efficiency Practices, further recognising its efforts in sustainable healthcare.
The hospital's green initiatives have been driven through its INSPIRE Green Hospital Project, launched in 2024 under the leadership of director Dr Sushil Jathanna. The initiative has included the installation of solar power systems, carbon footprint assessment, energy and water conservation measures, improved waste segregation and management, campus greening and biodiversity conservation, and awareness programmes on climate change and sustainability.
“This recognition is particularly encouraging because it shows that sustained efforts made at the local level can meet international standards,” said Dr Jathanna. He credited the hospital staff and students who have worked on the ground to implement the INSPIRE programme, and acknowledged the support of the Lombard Foundation and its advisors. He said the hospital would continue to strengthen its efforts towards environmentally responsible healthcare.
Founded in 1923 by Swiss missionary Dr Eva Lombard, the century-old CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital is among the pioneering healthcare institutions in coastal Karnataka. The NABH-accredited hospital provides a range of major medical specialities and healthcare services.