Sustainability has emerged as an important focus for various industries, particularly healthcare. The Joint Commission, which accredits over 22,000 healthcare facilities in the U.S., will introduce a voluntary sustainability certification beginning January 1, 2024. This initiative is intended to help healthcare facilities adopt sustainable practices and lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although participation is not mandatory, it could significantly affect healthcare accreditation.
Healthcare organizations increasingly recognize their role in climate change, as the sector accounted for about 8.5% of total U.S. GHG emissions in 2018. The link between climate change and public health is prompting hospitals and clinics to integrate sustainability into their operations. This article discusses the implications of the new sustainability certification and its potential impact on healthcare accreditation in the United States.
The Joint Commission’s sustainability certification aims to guide healthcare organizations toward environmental responsibility while addressing health risks from climate change. Key aspects include forming governance structures for sustainability initiatives, measuring existing GHG emissions, and creating actionable plans for emission reduction. By establishing national standards for sustainable practices, The Joint Commission hopes to encourage healthcare providers to adopt greener methods, which may lead to fewer hospital visits and reduced healthcare costs over time.
Even though the sustainability certification is voluntary, hospitals that opt to participate will show their commitment to responsible environmental practices, meeting future regulations and stakeholder expectations. The certification does not directly affect Joint Commission accreditation, but it may help facilities align with evolving accreditation standards in the future. Organizations participating in this process can expect benefits, including improved public image, operational efficiency, and patient care outcomes.
Accreditation plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery across the United States. It ensures that facilities meet essential quality and safety standards necessary for patient care. With new sustainability initiatives, there may be an increase in overlap between sustainability efforts and accreditation requirements. While the sustainability certification is not required for accreditation by The Joint Commission, it encourages facilities to pursue systemic change that can enhance future accreditation processes.
With the introduction of the Joint Commission’s voluntary certification, healthcare providers could improve their accreditation outcomes by incorporating sustainability into their operations. Addressing climate-related issues can help facilities improve their accreditation scores as these initiatives strengthen organizational resilience and lower risks linked to climate change.
For example, some hospitals have successfully adopted energy efficiency measures. Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City reported annual savings of $170,000 from adjusting anesthetic flow rates. Similarly, Gundersen Lutheran recognized savings of up to $1 million each year from energy efficiency initiatives. Such efforts not only decrease carbon emissions but also lower operational expenses, positively affecting financial performance and patient care quality.
The connection between climate change and public health is well-recognized. The World Health Organization estimates that climate change may lead to an extra 250,000 deaths annually by the 2030s due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. These facts highlight the necessity for healthcare organizations to effectively address environmental issues.
The proposed Decarbonization and Resilience Initiative from the CMS Innovation Center aims to assist hospitals in monitoring their carbon emissions and developing mitigation plans. This initiative, scheduled from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, aligns with the goals of The Joint Commission’s certification program and stresses the significance of sustainability in healthcare.
By publicly recognizing hospitals that commit to reducing emissions, CMS aims to promote participation in sustainability efforts. The healthcare sector can connect with national climate goals through such programs, strengthening their role in safeguarding public health.
The healthcare sector’s role in greenhouse gas emissions includes multiple sources. According to the Decarbonization Initiative definitions, emissions are categorized into three scopes: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. The first two scopes are particularly significant. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, while Scope 2 addresses indirect emissions from purchased energy. Hospitals participating in CMS’s initiative will mainly report on these types of emissions, which can highlight areas for improvement.
For instance, inhaled anesthetics account for approximately 5% of hospital emissions. By adopting low-flow anesthesia techniques, healthcare facilities can cut emissions and costs without compromising patient care. Taking on such measures allows hospitals to be responsible environmental stewards while delivering quality healthcare.
Healthcare organizations considering sustainable practices may find the following strategies useful:
As healthcare facilities pursue sustainability goals, integrating AI and automation can enhance workflows and resource management. Various technologies exist to automate front-office tasks, leading to significant savings and better sustainability outcomes.
For instance, Simbo AI specializes in automating phone systems for healthcare organizations. Using AI-driven answering services can significantly decrease the manual work related to appointment scheduling and patient inquiries. This integration allows staff to concentrate on essential patient care while reducing paper waste, energy use, and operational inefficiencies.
By managing patient communications efficiently, healthcare facilities can optimize resource allocation, minimizing emissions from transportation as patients receive timely information. Additionally, AI can analyze workflow patterns to identify energy reduction opportunities, like optimizing heating and cooling in non-medical areas.
AI also plays a role in observing trends related to patient volume and care needs. This capability allows leadership to allocate resources more effectively for energy-efficient solutions. By harnessing these technologies, healthcare providers can achieve meaningful sustainability results that align with The Joint Commission and CMS objectives.
Participating in sustainability initiatives goes beyond compliance; it relates closely to the healthcare mission of improving health outcomes for communities. Healthcare organizations that adopt sustainable practices can help communities cope with climate change while building trust and satisfaction among patients.
Moreover, organizations involved in sustainability programs signal to stakeholders—patients, employees, and the community—that they are dedicated to responsible practices. Such commitment can improve a facility’s reputation and attract patients who value environmental responsibility.
As the healthcare sector increasingly acknowledges the effects of climate change on public health, expectations for facilities to take concrete actions toward sustainable practices continue to grow. The Joint Commission’s voluntary sustainability certification offers a timely opportunity for healthcare organizations to take proactive steps.
By prioritizing sustainability, healthcare providers can mitigate climate change effects on their operations and positively influence broader health outcomes. Enhancing environmental health contributes to better community health, which is core to healthcare’s mission.
While The Joint Commission’s sustainability certification is a positive step, its long-term impact will rely on how well healthcare providers incorporate these practices into their main operations and tackle ongoing challenges. With the federal government anticipating significant increases in climate-related healthcare spending by the century’s end, healthcare facilities must take proactive measures to manage costs and improve patient care.
Facilities that adopt sustainability certifications early may find themselves in a better position to adapt to potential future regulations. As other industries evolve in response to climate challenges, healthcare must remain committed to environmental responsibility, prioritizing practices that protect public health and the environment.
The implications of these sustainability initiatives will emphasize the relationship between healthcare outcomes and environmental health, influencing the direction of the industry in the future.
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