Joint Commission announces voluntary hospital certification program for environmental sustainability

The Joint Commission in January will launch a voluntary certification program to help U.S. hospitals accelerate their sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It said the Sustainable Healthcare Certification program, available to hospitals and critical access hospitals, provides a framework for organizations to begin, continue or expand their decarbonization efforts and receive public recognition for their environmental sustainability. Hospitals can pre-apply for January here. 
 
“We want to work with the momentum of healthcare organizations leading the way in sustainability excellence — inspiring and guiding others that want to prioritize greener practices,” said Jonathan Perlin, M.D., president and CEO of The Joint Commission Enterprise. “Healthcare is one of the largest sectors in the United States and one dedicated to improving people’s health and well-being. Now is the time for The Joint Commission to take its place among other leading healthcare organizations to help accelerate environmental sustainability. Together, we can collectively reduce the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint and reduce hospital visits, illnesses, premature deaths and medical costs from severe weather events and other climate impacts.”