The U.S. healthcare sector is responsible for about 8.5 percent of national carbon emissions, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. Emissions stem directly from the operations of healthcare facilities and indirectly from purchased sources of energy, heating and cooling, as well as the supply chain of healthcare services and goods. Given these statistics, it is not surprising that the sector’s interested parties are taking steps to remedy the situation
Health Care Without Harm recently launched the Health Sector CARES (Climate Action, Resilience, and Equity Solutions) Pledge. The pledge is a voluntary commitment for health sector organizations to plan for climate resilience and reduce their environmental impact, including cutting Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
In addition to setting specific targets and sharing strategies for emissions reduction, pledge signers will commit to designating an executive-level lead for this work. Signatories also will commit to conducting an inventory of Scope 3 emissions within one year after signing.
Health Care Without Harm will support health care organizations that sign the pledge with tools, guidance, peer learning opportunities and other resources to support organizations committed to climate action. The group will introduce more free learning and networking opportunities.
The Health Sector CARES Pledge is open to any healthcare sector organization, including hospitals, health centers, rural health clinics, suppliers, insurers and group purchasing organizations.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
