How a Faith-Based Healthcare Organization Is Turning the Tide of Environmental Impact.

Abstract

The healthcare sector's role in every community is inextricably linked to the health of those it serves. As research and media reports point to the significant impact of people on our planet's ecosystems, Ascension has responded by setting several environmental sustainability goals. Our work is defined by three pillars: Net Zero Places focuses on carbon sources associated with Ascension's physical environments-carbon footprint, operational efficiency of facilities, and sustainable transportation.Responsible Supply Chain focuses on the flow of goods from procurement to disposition-responsible purchasing, product usage management, recycling, and waste management.Healthy Communities focuses on the relationship between sustainability and social determinants of health (SDOH)-linking determinants to Ascension's mission to sustain and improve the health of those we serve, especially the poor and vulnerable. When we think about future generations, we realize that this work cannot wait. That is why we are reimagining today what environmental impact and sustainability could look like through the next decade and beyond. We are setting our corporate sights on net zero carbon and zero waste by 2040 and encourage other healthcare organizations to join us in these efforts. Working together, we can make a difference.