493 hospitals share their data – Here's what we learned

See how your facility compares

The 2025 Health care sustainability metrics report, featuring performance data from nearly 500 health care facilities across the country, is your roadmap for understanding where your facility stands—and where the greatest opportunities for improvement exist.

Health care facilities tracking and improving these metrics are seeing:

• 10-30% reduction in energy, water, and waste costs  
• $100,000+ annual savings from proper waste segregation alone  
• Improved patient outcomes linked to better air quality and healthier environments
• Enhanced reputation with the 70% of consumers who prefer environmentally responsible providers    

This is environmental health in action. Every improvement in these metrics represents cleaner air for our communities, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals for patients and staff, and resources freed up for patient care.

How to make this report work for you:

1. Download the full report
2. Find your facility type and compare your metrics to the median and 90th percentile
3. Pick 2-3 metrics where you're below median or have the biggest potential for cost savings
4. Connect with your Sustainability Strategy Manager to develop an action plan
5. Share best practices with peer facilities—we're stronger together 

 Download the report

Dive deep into the data

Here are some report highlights from our analytics and insights experts. 

What's inside

Based on 2024 calendar year data from Environmental Excellence Awards participants, this report provides:

• Median and 90th percentile benchmarks across 11 impact areas including climate, waste, energy, water, food, and sustainable procurement
• Facility-specific comparisons for academic medical centers, community hospitals, children's hospitals, and outpatient facilities
• Clear explanations of why each metric matters for patient outcomes, cost savings, and environmental impact 

The financial case for sustainability

The data reveals significant cost-saving opportunities across multiple metrics: 

• OR HVAC setback: Median facility saved over $25,000 annually with 100% adoption
• Waste segregation: Proper training can avoid costs exceeding $100,000 annually - RMW disposal costs 10x more than regular waste
• Device reprocessing: $1,000-$3,000 saved per OR annually, with leading facilities collecting 4x more devices than median performers
• Energy efficiency: Facilities scoring Energy Star 75+ use 35% less energy than average buildings, translating to hundreds of thousands in annual savings

Bottom line: These aren't just environmental wins - they're proven pathways to significant operational savings that free up resources for patient care.

Facility-specific insights

Not all hospitals face the same challenges - or excel in the same areas. The report breaks down performance by:

• Academic medical centers (with and without research)
• Non-academic community hospitals
• Children's hospitals
• Outpatient facilities (with and without ORs)

For example: Academic medical centers with research show higher energy use (median EUI of 222 vs. 217 for community hospitals), but excel at device reprocessing and sustainable food purchasing. Children's hospitals demonstrate strong C&D waste recycling (83% median) but face higher energy intensity.

What makes this report different

This isn't just data—it's actionable intelligence. Each metric includes:

✓ Clear descriptions in plain language
✓ Context on why it matters for patient health, operational costs, and environmental impact
✓ Real-world examples of cost savings and clinical benefits
✓ Guidance on how to benchmark your facility and set realistic improvement goals 

Get rewarded for your data: Excel at the Environmental Excellence Awards

Celebrating 20 years of health sector sustainability, the Environmental Excellence Awards are back with exciting updates for 2026! We've improved the application based on your feedback. Join an informational session to learn about the changes, get your questions answered, and develop a strategy for showcasing your impact. 

 Review the updates and prepare to submit your application.