Healthcare facilities have focused more attention in recent years on taking steps to make their operations more resilient. They have devoted more resources to expanding sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One challenge for managers and owners is formalize their processes for setting priorities and for developing skills to reduce waste and carbon footprints.
To address these needs, the Joint Commission recently launched the Sustainable Healthcare Certification program for U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals. The certification launches Jan. 1, 2024, and is available to accredited and nonaccredited U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals.
The certification provides a framework to help organizations expand or continue their decarbonization efforts and to receive public recognition for their commitment and achievements in contributing to sustainability.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
