Sustainable Health Systems

We are adding more information as we build community within our health systems. Contact us with any questions or comments, or to get involved!

Administrators

US Healthcare Sustainability

Here's the bad news: the US healthcare system accounts for over 25% of global healthcare emissions despite serving only 4% of the world’s population (Mominkhan et al, 2023). US hospitals use double the energy of similar international hospitals, partially because of unsophisticated equipment in need of updating (Bawaneh et al 2019). The good news: small changes can see huge results, saving your budget and the planet at the same time.

Providence Hospitals reduced emissions from anesthetic gasses by 70%, saving 3.5 million annually.

Bus stop with flowers in front of Swedish hospital.

A rehabilitation center in Umeå, Sweden found that telehealth appointments produced 70x less emissions compared to traditional appointments. (Photo of their bus stop by Fredrik Larsson).

St Patrick hospital, a modern light-stone building with rose-tinted windows and yellow flower out front.

St Patrick Hospital in Missoula, MT diverted 50% of waste from the landfill through recycling, smarter purchasing, and re-usables, and dropped food waste by 37% through composting, tracking, and education. This saves them $100,000 annually.

The Framework: WE ACT

Waste

Material waste accounts for about 40% of all greenhouse emissions in health (Karlson & Pigretti Öhman, 2005). We can reduce waste by recycling, composting and reprocessing to reduce emissions. In many cases, purchasing assessments will find many single-use materials which can be swapped for reusable materials.

Energy & water

We can track and reduce energy and water usage. Buying efficient equipment and investing in renewable energy can transform our sector while saving money.

Agriculture & food

Agriculture has a large carbon footprint. Buying local and choosing plant-based food reduces emissions from farming, processing and transportation. We can also compost leftovers to make sure nothing goes to waste.

Chemicals

Medical devices and supplies can have harmful chemicals. Phasing out PVC, DEHP and reducing anesthesia emissions can have a massive impact on our greenhouse gas emissions.

Transportation

Reducing travel saves money. Telehealth is a great option for many services, especially in rural areas. Public transport, biking, and carpools are all employee transport options that administration should support.