Resources: Decarbonization
Explore the full list of curated resources below!
Global road map for health care decarbonization
This Global Road Map for Healthcare Decarbonization from Health Care Without Harm and Arup is a strategic blueprint for reducing the healthcare sector’s climate footprint. It outlines four decarbonization pathways aligned with the Paris Agreement and highlights seven high-impact actions across clinical care, operations, supply chains, and disease prevention. Ideal for policymakers, health system leaders, and sustainability teams, the guide offers practical frameworks, country-specific fact sheets, graphics, and policy recommendations to drive equitable, zero-emission healthcare transformation.
WHO guidance for climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health care facilities
A practical manual from the World Health Organization to build climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities. It offers evidence-based interventions across workforce, water/energy use, waste management, infrastructure, and procurement—helping hospital leaders assess risks, streamline resource use, and protect community health in a changing climate
Healthcare Energy Guidebook
An in-depth report submitted to the Maryland Health Care Commission, this document outlines Washington Adventist Hospital’s proposed relocation to White Oak. It covers community needs assessments, access improvements for patients and EMS, travel-time analyses comparing service areas to nearby hospitals, and how the move aligns with state-level healthcare planning and certification standards
Scope 1 and Scope 2 Inventory Guidance
Straight from the U.S. EPA, this Scope 1 & 2 Inventory Guidance walks organizations through building a robust greenhouse gas inventory—covering direct emissions (from owned facilities and vehicles) and indirect emissions (from purchased energy). It outlines a phased engagement model—from initial tracking to advanced, third-party‑verified reporting—and offers detailed methods for calculating emissions from stationary and mobile combustion, purchased electricity, and fugitive sources in refrigeration and more. Ideal for healthcare systems, this guide helps lay the groundwork for accurate emissions accounting, target-setting, and meaningful climate action.
Health care’s climate footprint report
A groundbreaking global analysis by Health Care Without Harm and Arup reveals that if healthcare were a country, it would rank as the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases worldwide, responsible for 4.4% of global emissions—equivalent to 514 coal power plants. The report breaks down emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, highlights energy, supply chain, and anesthetic gas hotspots, and offers strategic policy and practice recommendations to guide the sector toward net-zero, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. A must-read resource for healthcare leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates.
ASHE Sustainability Guide
The ASHE Sustainability Guide provides healthcare facilities with a step‑by‑step roadmap to build and sustain a robust environmental program. Ideal for facilities managers, it offers detailed guidance on establishing green teams, conducting energy audits, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, implementing efficiency projects, and maintaining momentum through training, measurement, and recognition
Planetary and Global Health Resources
A curated Planetary & Global Health Resource Guide from the American Nurses Association’s Innovation Advisory Committee. Packed with tools, articles, teaching aids, and policy links, it empowers nurses to address climate change, environmental justice, and planetary health. A must-have toolkit for practice, education, and advocacy
Practice Greenhealth Eco-Checklist™ for Operations
This Eco‑Checklist for Operations from Practice Greenhealth is a comprehensive self-assessment tool to help healthcare facilities benchmark and advance their environmental sustainability. Covering everything from green team structure and purchasing policies to waste management, energy, water use, and transportation, it provides a clear snapshot of where organizations stand and what to prioritize next
NAM Climate Collaborative
A timely discussion paper from the National Academy of Medicine outlines how to embed climate and health education across clinical training. It maps out core competencies for clinicians—from foundational knowledge to policy and communication skills—while highlighting early adopters, teaching tools, and implementation strategies to prepare health professionals for climate-related challenges
Joint Commission Sustainable Healthcare Resource Center
The Joint Commission’s Sustainable Healthcare Resource Center offers hospitals and health systems a curated suite of tools, strategies, and best practices to support sustainability programs. Covering leadership, measurement, energy efficiency, waste reduction, transportation, anesthetic gases, and more, it helps teams take actionable steps toward decarbonization, resilience, and improved patient safety
Envisioning a Thriving Planet Through Healthcare Sustainability
A thoughtful hub from the American Nurses Association on Healthcare Sustainability & Resilience, featuring a compelling podcast episode that highlights how over 1,700 hospitals are embedding environmental stewardship into care. This resource brings together expert voices, practical examples, and curated links—from Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm to ANA guides and global health toolkits—empowering nurses to lead and innovate for a healthier, more resilient planet
Toward Carbon Negative
Providence has pledged to become carbon-negative by 2030, using its bold WE ACT framework—focused on Waste, Energy & Water, Agriculture & Food, Chemicals, and Transportation—to reduce over 80% of its carbon footprint. With achievements like slashing emissions 13% since 2019, powering many sites with 100% renewable energy, minimizing anesthetic-related emissions, and eliminating over $11 million in waste costs, Providence is setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in healthcare
Kaiser’s sustainability journey
Kaiser Permanente leads American healthcare with its ambitious environmental goals. In 2020, it became the first U.S. health system certified carbon neutral, achieved through major investments in renewable energy, green building, and supplier sustainability. Since then, it has committed to reducing emissions 50% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. Their journey features over 80 LEED-certified buildings (including the nation’s first net-zero hospital-office), solar microgrids, EV charging networks, and rigorous waste, water, and procurement strategies—all guided by a robust governance framework linking environmental stewardship to community health and resilience
Environmental Stewardship Strategy & Planning Toolkit
Introduction to securing leadership support
If you’re working to advance sustainability in healthcare, gaining leadership buy-in is essential—but not always easy. In this recorded webinar from Practice Greenhealth, Introduction to Securing Leadership Support, experts share practical strategies for engaging executives, aligning sustainability with organizational priorities, and making the case for change. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen your approach, this session offers valuable insights to help you build internal momentum.
Health Sector CARES Pledge
The Health Sector CARES (Climate Action, Resilience, and Equity Solutions) Pledge is a call to action for hospitals, health systems, and other health sector organizations to lead on climate and health. By signing, organizations commit to meaningful goals around decarbonization, resilience, and equity—backed by science and supported by practical tools and peer learning.
Health Care Emissions Impact Calculator
The Health Care Emissions Impact Calculator helps hospitals and health systems estimate their greenhouse gas emissions and identify key opportunities for reduction. Designed for ease of use, this free tool supports climate action planning and aligns with industry reporting standards