The Joint Commission
Sustainable Healthcare Certification (SHC)
About The Joint Commission
This voluntary program assesses whether hospitals have implemented essential structures and processes to enhance energy efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint, and minimize waste. The SHC is open to all hospitals and critical access hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission, and non-Joint Commission-accredited hospitals that comply to applicable federal laws, such as the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation.
Why Environ for Certification
For more than 30 years Environ has delivered innovative sustainable energy solutions to hundreds of healthcare providers, from the largest integrated delivery networks (IDN) to critical access hospitals. Get certified with ease, meet your emission reduction obligations and voluntary sustainability targets.
6 Steps to Decarbonization
1
Create a Structure and Timeline
2
Commit Resources
3
Determine GHG Reduction Targets
4
Demonstrate Reductions and Maintain Compliance
5
Establish GHG Inventory of Baseline Emission Sources
6
Create a Climate Action Plan to Decarbonize each Tracked Emission
Why Choose Environ?
Make Confident, Data-Driven Decisions
Our innovative SaaS Carbon Accounting Software helps you collect, manage, integrate, and quantify ESG data. Environ Sustainability Experts use your unique data to build your baselines so you can monitor progress and take action to reduce your GHG emissions.
- Calculate and Measure Emissions and Energy Metrics
- Analyze, Visualize, Create Reports, and Share with Stakeholders.
- Use Forecasting Tools to Track Progress against Targets
Join Hackensack Meridian Health, the Nation’s First to Achieve the Sustainable Healthcare Certificate
We are always looking for ways to create a healthier environment for the communities we serve. When the Joint Commission Sustainability Certification was released, we were excited to pursue it as a way of validating our commitment to the work. Partnering with Environ helped us put better processes in place for ensuring that our greenhouse gas emissions data were being tracked and reported consistently throughout each of our hospitals. Once we had a better grasp on our data it enabled us to further refine our strategic sustainability plan and maximize the positive impacts on the community.
Kyle Tafuri
Vice President, Sustainability
Hackensack Meridian Health
Key Solution Benefits
Achieving the Sustainable Healthcare Certification aligns your institution with sustainable practices and as a mindful and responsible care provider in an increasingly environmentally conscious world. Here are the key benefits your solution provides:
- Environmental Impact Reduction Attaining sustainability objectives allows hospitals to play a part in broader initiatives for environmental conservation and preservation.
- Enhanced Reputation and Community Engagement Certification signifies dedication to responsible and ethical practices, boosting the hospital’s standing in the community. This attracts patients, employees, and stakeholders who prioritize sustainable health care options.
- Improved Health Outcomes Reduced chemical exposures, enhanced air quality, and infection control measures establish healthier environments that promote healing and lessen the transmission of diseases.
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation Integrating sustainability practices and certification helps mitigate environmental, societal, and financial risks, ensuring hospitals are equipped to navigate evolving regulations and potential disruptions.
- Cost Savings Operational efficiency leads to savings through energy-efficient technologies and waste management strategies. Access tax incentives and state and local funding.