Due to its large size and its intensive use of resources, the global healthcare system emits more than 2 gigatons of CO2 annually and accounts for 5 to 8.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions in developed nations, according to a 2020 study in Health Affairs.
As scientists paint a clearer picture of our climate reality, taking action to prevent worst case scenarios is critical. HealthCare Business News sat down with Scott Rich, growth & marketing director at Practice Greenhealth, to find out how hospitals can reduce their carbon footprint and support a healthier planet.
HCB News: How have conversations around sustainability in healthcare evolved in the last five years or so? Scott Rich: Five years ago, conversations around sustainability often focused on ROI, with health care organizations asking us how sustainable practices would save them money. The conversation has since evolved – organizations are increasingly recognizing that investing in sustainability is the right thing to do for our communities and the planet.
We find more health care leaders are now seeking out our expertise. These leaders understand sustainability’s place in their work, especially as extreme weather and other climate disruptions, combined with the challenges of the pandemic, exposed the fragility of the supply chain. We also hear that organizations are receiving more external pressure from stakeholders.
HCB News: When a hospital wants to become more eco-friendly but has no idea where to begin, what do you tell them? SR: I always let organizations know the work begins with one step. Sustainability doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a journey, and every hospital’s journey is a little different. One hospital’s first step may not be the same as another's, but in most cases an organizational structure and governance approach is a solid first step. I like to think of Practice Greenhealth as the guide for each organization’s journey. We were founded to help hospitals and health care begin this work and continue to elevate their sustainability focus.
HCB News: Are there some universal benchmarks that providers in the U.S. should strive for, or should different types of facilities have different goals? SR: There are dramatic differences between hospitals and health systems across the United States. A rural, critical access hospital has different challenges than a large health system. A health system located in one market or state may find efforts less challenging than a health system with facilities located in multiple markets or states.
