As the health care sector works to lead their communities in improving their environmental footprint, Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) is proud to announce that our new report , Health Care & Climate Change: An Opportunity for Transformative Leadership, is now available for download. 

According to the report, the reversal of climate change will pivot around fundamental realignments in the ways that energy is created and consumed. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels will require comprehensive changes in the everyday practices of every business, institution and community. For the health care sector, this clean energy imperative is powerfully connected to the deeply rooted mission of the people and organizations that comprise the sector.  As a massive energy user and economic driver, the health care sector is presented with a unique opportunity to illuminate the path forward. 

The report provides detailed guidelines and case studies to help hospital leaders and facilities’ staff develop comprehensive strategies to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels through the use of “clean technology.”  Its overarching conclusion is built on the premise that the health sector has a critical role to play in helping lead the transition to a fossil fuel-free and sustainable economy.

"Kaiser Permanente is committed to creating healthy communities, and it’s critical we work to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment."

Bernard J. Tyson (CEO) 

The report goes on to make compelling arguments that the potential for climate leadership begins with energy and water efficiency investments and that a second component of a comprehensive clean energy strategy is investment in renewable power generation. 

For example, data from new and retrofitted hospitals demonstrates that energy savings of 30 to 50 percent are often readily achievable and that these projects are highly cost effective.  

There is also ample evidence that hospital water consumption can be cut significantly without negatively impacting the delivery of patient services. Investment in clean generation will drive the carbon footprint of health care even lower. In fact, the most progressive health systems are planning to use this combination to eliminate/offset virtually all of the carbon impacts associated with energy.    

Below is a chart from the report that highlights opportunities for energy and water savings. 

The most recent findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggest that our world is on a dangerous path, and urgent action is needed to reverse the carbon pollution that is causing climate change. Based on conclusions by the IPCC, there couldn’t be a better time for the release of this critically important paper.

Heath Care Without Harm, an international coalition of more than 500 organizations in 53 countries, is working to transform the health sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it becomes ecologically sustainable and a leading advocate for environmental health and justice.