Decarbonization Is Key to Reducing Healthcare’s Carbon Footprint
Health Care Without Harm indicates that, as an industry, healthcare accounts for 4.6% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide and 8.5% of U.S. emissions. Policymakers and the financial industry have placed an increased emphasis on organizations to formally commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding healthcare’s various sources of emissions is key to determining how to begin reducing this mega-emitter’s carbon footprint.
Late last summer, HealthTrust—in partnership with McKinsey & Company and BPS (Bernhard ProStar, HealthTrust contract #57570)—sponsored a Decarbonization Summit. The event brought together industry thought leaders to share best practices and potential pathways for healthcare providers to create the tools to assist in the journey to measure GHG
and identify opportunities for emission reductions. HealthTrust is planning on creating additional workshops in 2023.
Industry resource Practice Greenhealth offers a number of online tools for advanced and intermediate achievers, as well as suggestions for healthcare organizations that are just getting started in their reduction efforts. A good place for a healthcare facility to begin might include the following strategies for reduction of emissions:
- Energy conservation and efficiency measures
- Renewable energy procurement
- Alternative transportation
- Waste management
- Water conservation
- Sustainable food and beverages, including alternatives to meat
- Anesthetic gas management
Efficiency & conservation solutions
In addition to the sourcing of energy (natural gas and electricity) in deregulated markets, the HealthTrust Energy team offers a utility bill pay service, which ensures on-time payments and provides valuable utility reporting. The Energy team also works individually with its members to discuss energy efficiency initiatives, sustainability and renewables that can further reduce members’ energy costs and/or utilization. Learn more by contacting bill.miller@healthtrustpg.com.
In 2020, HealthTrust entered into a national agreement with BPS to provide Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solutions for HealthTrust members. The agreement offers a comprehensive choice of services, including engineering design, construction, financing, and operations and maintenance management, that are designed to reduce energy consumption.
BPS works with facilities to develop a unique scope of work, including infrastructure renewal and optimization services that aim to reduce energy usage and demand (gas, electric and water) and provide the greatest financial benefit to a facility. Participating members will realize operational efficiencies, enhanced infrastructure, cost savings and a positive environmental impact.
BPS can partner with the HealthTrust Energy team for a collaborative approach that addresses both the supply and demand aspects of utilities. While BPS focuses on demand, the HealthTrust Energy team looks at the supply side and how a facility purchases its utilities, how it hedges risk and manages the utilities.
