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Why Hospitals Should Invest in Climate Actions as a Community Benefit Strategy
- The healthcare sector's carbon footprint is greater than the airline industry, contributing 4.6% to global net emissions. Hospitals can reduce admissions, lower emergency room visits and improve patient health through climate action. Vulnerable populations such as those facing health disparities are disproportionately affected by climate change, making it crucial for hospitals to implement a climate action plan. In partnership with hospital foundations, grants, donations, and other forms of blended funding can be used to fund sustainable transportation and renewable energy. Local food sourcing and programs can also support better nutrition for food-insecure patients while reducing the hospital's environmental impact.
- Hospitals can transition to sustainable transportation, reduce their carbon footprint, and promote the use of electric vehicles by installing EV charging stations. They can also minimize the environmental impact of staff and visitors by encouraging other alternative modes of transportation.
- Hospitals can optimize energy use and implement sustainable practices that can glean long-term savings, which can then be reinvest in patient care and community health programs.
- Hospitals should work on food reclamation programs, partnering with local food banks to donate excess unserved food. This can address both food waste and food insecurity, demonstrating a comprehensive community benefit strategy.
- One of the leading chronic diseases in children is asthma, which is often exacerbated by the child's environment. Hospital systems can address this issue by promoting asthma prevention programs that work to improve asthma-related outcomes in children.
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia launched CAPP+ to replace and repair roofs, fix plumbing leaks, and remove carpeting, amongst other interventions to address structural issues in homes that contribute to asthma triggers. Since 2019, CHOP has renovated over 200 homes throughout West and Southwest Philadelphia.
- Investing in asthma prevention programs contributes to cleaner air and addresses climate change while improving public health.
- Hospitals can be instrumental in creating healthier communities by addressing both environmental sustainability and health equity measures.
- The World Health Organization recommends that hospitals consider climate action as part of their community health needs assessments and implementation planning.
- Hospital workforce also demands sustainable initiatives, such as reducing carbon, using renewable energy, and reducing waste.
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