Explore our Sustainability Resources section for a curated collection of articles spanning hot topics, case studies, and cutting-edge research in the sustainable healthcare industry. The imperative for hospitals and health systems to urgently decarbonize has never been more compelling, and industry experts delve into why healthcare leaders should prioritize this critical endeavor. Beyond cost savings, decarbonization initiatives have the potential to bolster various organizational priorities, including employee recruitment and retention, promoting health equity, fostering high-value care models, advancing food and wellness initiatives, and much more.
Click on the Healthcare & Sustainability resources as well as the Food & Sustainability resources below to learn more.
Healthcare & Sustainability Resources
Crossing the Decarbonization Chasm: A Call to Action for Hospital and Health System Leaders to Reduce Their Greenhouse Gas Emissions
National Academy of Medicine
The case for hospitals and health systems to take urgent action to decarbonize is compelling and has never been stronger. Industry experts weigh in on why healthcare leaders should care. Beyond cost savings, decarbonization efforts can support other priorities such as employee recruitment and retention, health equity, high value care models, and more.
HHS Health Sector Pledge
US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The HHS pledge is a voluntary commitment to reduce emissions and improve climate resilience. Signing organizations agree to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. To date, a total 116 organizations representing 872 hospitals have now signed on.
How Clinicians Can Lead Climate Action to Protect Patients and the Planet
The Commonwealth Fund
As a highly trusted source, clinicians play a critical role in influencing and mitigating healthcare’s contributions to climate change. There are three key areas in which they can lead climate action: in their practice, at the healthcare organizational level, and on the policy front.
Greening the Health Care Safety Net
The Commonwealth Fund
Driven by concern for patients, the rising costs of energy and other business expenses, and anticipated government regulations that may soon hold them accountable for reducing their carbon footprints, some healthcare organizations have been working to become more energy efficient.
Reducing Healthcare Carbon Emissions
Agency for Healthcare Research
This primer serves as an action guide for healthcare organizations to begin the journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The resource offers prioritized measures to monitor progress and guide strategic management.
Food & Sustainability Resources
Five Predictions For Food and AgTech in 2024
Forbes
What food and agricultural technology innovations should we be looking out for in 2024? Agriculture is one of the most carbon intensive industries. But by staying on top of the food trends, we can ensure that healthcare is pursuing the most sustainable solutions – in terms of the environment and healthcare.
2023 Sustainability and Food Insights Dietitian Survey
Food + Planet
The survey looks at how health professionals are leading the way for a transformed food system for the health and wellbeing of our populations and the world.
By the Numbers: The Business Case for Reducing Food Loss and Waste
World Resources Institute
This report showcases how companies can save money by reducing food loss and waste. Such an economic benefit can be reaped by a variety of stakeholders, including businesses, cities, and nations.