Health Care Facilities Take Emission Reduction Challenge

Leaders in health care facilities are joining building managers across the country in doing their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a pledge initiative asking stakeholders, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and other health care facilities, to commit to addressing emissions across the sector.

Federal health systems already are taking action to reduce emissions. The new initiative challenges private health systems to meet or exceed emissions goals and to build climate considerations into their future operations. 

“We are encouraged by the bold and specific commitments to decarbonization that many organizations across the country have already made,” said Admiral Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health. “It is time for us to both celebrate those commitments and galvanize others to take this critical step.”

The voluntary pledge asks participants to commit to reduce their organizations’ emissions by 50% by 2030, and to net zero by 2050.To prove their commitment, signees must publicly report their progress, complete an inventory of supply-chain emissions, and develop climate resilience for their facilities and communities. 

“The health care sector contributes 8.5% of total U.S. emissions, so they have a big role to play,” said Gina McCarthy, White House National Climate Advisor.  

Health care facility leaders interested in taking the challenge can learn more information and download pledges. Forms are due by June 3, 2022.