Initiative Seeks to Reduce Emissions in the Healthcare Sector
Since climate change will affect marginalized groups across the United States and the world, the healthcare sector must lead the response. Especially since the healthcare sector accounts for 8.5% of carbon emissions nationwide. Beyond reducing emissions, hospitals should also ensure energy resiliency to remain a refuge at all times for those in need.
Healthcare companies, from hospitals to insurance suppliers, need to be proactive in reducing their greenhouse emissions and set an example for different sectors. The HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) is leading the way with a voluntary pledge for the private healthcare sector to improve sustainability through the three distinct steps.
Leveraging the power of energy consultants like Environ, your company can quickly meet these goals from in-depth Scope 1 and 2 reporting to highlighting how to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
SEE MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Scope 3 Emissions
(1) Reducing their organization’s emissions (by 50% by 2030 and to net zero by 2050) and publicly reporting on their progress
Our team offers Scope 1 and 2 reporting to better monitor your progress and share it with your stakeholders. Scope 1 represents campus fuel combustion, and Scope 2 any purchased energy. Sustainability reports will track emissions and their sources to allow you to make informed decisions aligned with your company’s goals. Our GHG/Carbon benchmarking includes traditional KPIs, GHG tracking, and GHG reduction steps.
Our sustainability service offerings provide solutions for procurement, resiliency, and more to guide you toward net zero emissions by 2050. For example, our team shows you how to electrify HVAC systems to improve Scope 1 emissions or purchase green power from the grid to reduce Scope 2 emissions.
We’ll aid your committee in completing all their responsibilities which include managing energy curtailment programs, acquiring renewable energy, and drafting an energy procurement strategy. We’ll help plan, implement, and monitor all your energy solutions.
(2) Completing an inventory of Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions
The HHS requests an inventory of your Scope 3 emissions by 2024 and that an executive-level representative work on reducing your emissions. Scope 3 emissions correspond to the supply chain (check the blog linked above for more details) for materials transported to and from your campus. In the healthcare sector, these make up ⅔ of emissions.
We show you how to reduce Scope 3 emissions, and create reporting platforms to share your progress publicly. The HHS places a significant premium on this since healthcare is often based on peer review. We take care of the challenging part, so all you have to do is nominate a senior executive and committee that includes facilities, finance, and supply chain leaders.
(3) Developing climate resilience plans for their facilities and communities
As one of the most critical resources in a community, hospitals need to stay operational at all times. In case of a wildfire, flood, or hurricane, they should be the one place people can seek help. We’ll help you implement a resiliency plan that addresses inclement weather, supply chain issues, power outages, and more. In most cases, the Scope 1 and Scope 2 strategies for the first part of this pledge will help you meet your resiliency goals and become a reliable pillar of your community.
The right partner sets you on the path to sustainability. Have the Environ team help you with every step, from showing you how to reduce Scope 3 emissions to how to best finance your healthcare sustainability initiatives. You can set up a consultation with our team by filling out our contact form or calling us.