NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Get fired up for CleanMed
Join us May 6-8 in Atlanta to experience more than 50 sessions, including interactive workshops that will provide collaboration opportunities unlike any other health care sustainability conference.
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Supercharge your climate resilience planning
Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm collaborated with a cohort of health systems to co-create brand-new guidance to assist organizations engaged in any stage of the resilience planning process. Plus, join our staff in a quick tour of the guidance and share real-time barriers in your planning efforts with your peers.
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Top 5 chefs redefine menus with plant-based creativity
Meet the chefs who redesigned delicious cultural classics and read their inspirational stories. Only 6 weeks until we announce the winner at CleanMed.
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Announcing the 2024 Health Care Culinary Contest winner
Join us in celebrating the grand prize winner of the 2024 Health Care Culinary Contest: Keck Hospital’s deconstructed Honduran tamale.
Environmental Health Hero Award recipient Eboni Neal Cochran’s relentless fight for environmental justice in Louisville
Eboni Neal Cochran, longtime Louisville proponent for environmental justice and co-director of Rubbertown Emergency ACTion (REACT), is the recipient of Health Care Without Harm’s highest hon
Health Care Without Harm Announces 2025 Sadler Fellows and Emerging Physician Leader awardees
Health Care Without Harm is thrilled to announce the recipients of two prestigious programs that recognize and support rising leaders committed to climate-smart, sustainable, and equitable health care: the Blair and Georgia Sadler Fellowship and t
Climate and health visionary: Dr. John Balbus receives leadership award for transformative work
After three decades of being at the forefront of integrating climate action into the health care sector and policies, Dr.
Introducing the Climate-smart Collective
Health professionals for sustainable solutions
Health Care Without Harm urges health sector organizations to commit to climate-smart, resilient operations
Health Care Without Harm launched the Health Sector CARES (Climate Action, Resilience, and Equity Solutions) Pledge, a voluntary pledge for U.S. health sector organizations committed to climate-smart, sustainable operations, increased resilience,…
Celebrating the 2025 Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award recipients
The six deserving recipients for the 2025 Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award and Scholarship represent a cross section of champions working everyday, as Davis did, to make health care more sustainable.
Anne Hulick honored with 2025 Charlotte Brody Award for environmental nursing leadership
Health Care Without Harm and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments a
Join CleanMed in person or online
Join us for CleanMed May 6-8 in Atlanta. Can’t attend in person? We're pleased to offer a virtual option with live streaming of select sessions through our online event platform.
Top 5 chefs redefine menus with plant-based creativity
Meet the chefs who redesigned delicious cultural classics and read their inspirational stories. Only 6 weeks until we announce the winner at CleanMed.
Health care’s voice in policy matters: Learn how to advocate
In an ever-changing political landscape, health care’s voice matters. Get empowered to advocate for your health system with our new event series.
One order of delicious, hold the emissions: New case study
UC San Diego achieved an impressive 35% per plate GHG emissions reduction and discovered $60,000 in savings when they leveraged the Coolfood Pledge and support from Practice Greenhealth to achieve their climate goals.
Unlocking funding to make hospitals more sustainable & resilient
Health care facilities are increasingly at risk from climate disruption and are struggling to adapt. Fortunately, funding is readily available to build infrastructure resilience – if hospitals take action now to access it.
Sustainability in action video contest
Unleash your creativity and submit a video that celebrates the unsung heroes, innovative strategies, and transformative approaches driving progress in your organization. This is your opportunity to share untold stories that inspire and uplift the…
2025 Charlotte Brody Award nominations now open
Health Care Without Harm, in partnership with the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Charlotte Brody Award.
Unwavering commitment: Accelerating a sustainable, climate-resilient, and equitable health sector
The next four years are critical in our fight for a zero-emission, climate-resilient, and equitable health sector. This is not just an aspiration – it is an actionable commitment. Health care organizations across the country will step forward as…
New year message from Practice Greenhealth
Ambitions for the new year
The turn of the new year often gives us a moment to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come toward the vision of a zero-emissions, climate-resilient, and equitable health sector.
Greenhealth Approved seal earns recognition from EPA for medical products
The Greenhealth Approved ecolabel for sustainable medical products is now included in the EPA’s federal purchasing recommendations, supporting eco-friendly health care procurement
CleanMed scholarships and recognition opportunities
Get recognized for your commitment to sustainable, climate-smart health care at CleanMed, the premier health care sustainability conference.
Coolfood champions meet – & surpass – GHG plate reduction goals
130 hospitals – and counting – have signed the Coolfood Pledge, an international, cross-sector effort to achieve food-related greenhouse gas reduction.
2025 Environmental Excellence Awards: Applications now open
Participating in the Environmental Excellence Awards program validates your hard work and allows you to share your successes with the Practice Greenhealth network. Listen to a program overview or learn about what's new with the application process,…
A new chapter: Paul Bogart to depart as Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth
It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that we announce Paul Bogart’s departure as Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth, effective summer 2025.
Supercharge your climate resilience planning
Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm collaborated with a cohort of health systems to co-create brand-new guidance to assist organizations engaged in any stage of the resilience planning process. Plus, join our staff in a quick tour of…
U.S. Food Waste Pact welcomes Health Care Without Harm as its latest signatory
This milestone expands the impact of the U.S. Food Waste Pact to Health Care Without Harm’s hospital network.
The Health Care Culinary Contest is back
Health care culinary professionals across the country are taking their menus to new levels in creativity and flavor, all powered by plants. The contest runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.
New carpeting products now Greenhealth Approved and ready for purchase
The Greenhealth Approved seal was developed to make identifying sustainable products easier for health care product purchasers. Mohawk Group now has the Greenhealth Approved seal for their EcoFlex ONE carpeting.
Transforming health care: Sustainability success stories from the operating room
At Practice Greenhealth, we’re dedicated to coaching hospitals through their sustainability journey by targeting key areas like operating rooms.
Podcast pick: Doctors unpack the health care plastic crisis
Our experts guide listeners through the history, current usage, and future innovations in under 40 minutes.
New resilient flooring products now Greenhealth Approved and ready for purchase
ShawContract and Patcraft now have the Greenhealth Approved seal for their EcoWorx resilient flooring.
New case study reveals supplier-health care collab to pare down plastic packaging, $2 million in savings
Kaiser Permanente leveraged its purchasing power to collaborate on a packaging redesign to reduce waste and save money.
Health Care Culinary Contest recipe database
Our new Health Care Culinary Contest database has over 100 plant-forward recipes created by hospital chefs.
Improved Health Care Emission Impact Calculator, plus new action plan template
Practice Greenhealth is pleased to share the new Health Care Emissions Impact Calculator 2.0, which features several improvements, and new resources to support your GHG emissions reduction journey.
Announcing the 2023 Health Care Culinary Contest winner
Join us in celebrating the grand prize winner of the 2023 Health Care Culinary Contest: Mayo Clinic’s three sisters blue zone tacos.
Honoring our own: Thresa Pattee, Health Care Without Harm’s 2024 Environmental Health Hero
Thresa Pattee, our beloved colleague, friend, and posthumous recipient of our 2024 Environmental Health Hero Award.
2024 Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award recipients
Join us in celebrating this year’s five Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award and Scholarship awardees.
Practice Greenhealth celebrates 2024 Environmental Excellence Award winners
Practice Greenhealth is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing leading U.S. hospitals for their exceptional commitment to sustainability.
Participate in CleanMed in person or online
Can’t attend in person? We are pleased to offer a virtual option with live streaming of all plenary sessions and select breakout sessions through our online event platform.
Hospital chefs bring plant-forward creativity to the finish line
Hospital chefs across the country submitted their plant-forward recipes to the 2023 Health Care Culinary Contest in hopes of being named America’s most celebrated hospital chef of the year. We’re excited to share the five finalists, who redesigned…
Introducing the Climate Excellence Standard for Health Sector Suppliers
Cencora first supplier to meet new standard
Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth, along with their Health Care Climate Council, announced the creation of a
One healthcare ecochallenge: An employee engagement opportunity to build healthy & sustainable habits
Practice Greenhealth partners Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and PeaceHealth have joined ecochallenge.org to offer an exciting engagement initiative designed specifically for health care caregivers.
How hospitals in 17 countries are tackling decarbonization & resilience, saving them $15M
38 case studies & guidance on sustainable health care
“It’s very exciting to be part of a strategy that is so ambitious and future thinking.
Practice Greenhealth releases latest sustainability benchmark data
We are pleased to share Practice Greenhealth’s latest sustainability benchmark report, based on data from the 2022 calendar year.
How health systems plan for resilience
This Partner-only session will summarize key lessons gathered from Practice Greenhealth partners on the most effective ways to write climate resilience plans in alignment with the HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge.
Health care supply chain 101: Leveraging the power of procurement
Join this Destination CleanMed session to gain a better understanding of how purchasing occurs at health systems and strategies for effectively engaging supply chain departments.
The 2024 Environmental Excellence Award applications are open
Validate your hard work and continue making the business case for sustainability initiatives by participating in Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards program. Learn what’s new for 2024 through our on-demand videos. Applications are…
CleanMed 2024 registration is now open
CleanMed will bring us together May 21-23 in Salt Lake City to connect, share, and build upon solutions for a more sustainable health care sector.
On-demand videos help partners conduct a GHG inventory
Following the successful launch of our Health Care Emissions Impact Calculator, Practice Greenhealth hosted monthly workshops to walk partners through how to perform a complete greenhouse gas inventory. View the on-demand recordings.
Sectors unite to create a values-based food purchasing framework
Anchors in Action alliance recently released a framework aimed at helping hospitals, schools, universities, and municipal governments identify vendors and community partners for increasing values-aligned food procurement.
The Health Care Culinary Contest is back
Health care culinary professionals across the country are taking their menus to new levels in creativity and flavor, all powered by plants. The contest runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.
New IRA investment tax credit opportunities & elective pay options
The historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has the potential to significantly reduce the financial barriers for health systems to procure low-carbon energy alternatives and we've outlined the specific components of the legislation that can be used…
Free webinar: Co-designing with communities on climate resilience planning
Health Care Without Harm, Anchors for Resilient Communities, and Emerald Cities Collaborative are hosting a free learning session on co-design with communities and anchor institutions, such as hospitals and health systems, on climate resilience…
Health Care Climate Learning Initiative
Together with our partners around the world, Health Care Without Harm convened representatives from 98 health care organizations spanning 20 countries to share their learnings from implementing decarbonization and climate resilience initiatives.
Help shape the next CleanMed - Deadline extended
CleanMed 2024 will bring us back together May 21-23 in Salt Lake City to connect, share, and build upon solutions for a more sustainable health care sector – and we want your help.
One hundred hospitals pledge to create climate-friendly, plant-forward menus
Practice Greenhealth is celebrating a climate-friendly, plant-forward milestone: Over 100 hospitals have signed the Coolfood Pledge, an international, cross-sector effort to achieve a science-based collective target of reducing emissions from food…
Developing a complete Scope 3 inventory & action plan
Learn how to develop a comprehensive Scope 3 emissions inventory for your organization and create an action plan to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
2023 Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award recipients
Join us in celebrating this year’s five Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award and Scholarship awardees.
Sarah Wilburn honored with 2023 Charlotte Brody Award for environmental nursing leadership
Susan Wilburn received the 2023 Charlotte Brody Award. A driving force in the global environmental health space and a powerful advocate for nurses everywhere, Wilburn exemplifies environmental nursing leadership.
Proven practices for sustainability governance in health care: Structure & staffing
Health care organizations are increasingly setting sustainability and climate action as a strategic organizational priority and paying attention to the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures process. With this growth, there is a…
What I learned about sustainability as an administrative fellow at HonorHealth
Pursuing organizational sustainability can seem daunting – it is complex, takes time, and the upfront costs can feel like a barrier to entry. As an administrative fellow at HonorHealth, I worked with and learned from the organization’s…
New food resources can reduce your hospital’s climate impact
Practice Greenhealth’s new guidance & proven resources offer recipe for success at your hospital
Practice Greenhealth has expanded and updated our food guidance and resources
The Joint Commission seeks feedback on new Environmental Sustainability requirements
The Joint Commission is developing new Environmental Sustainability requirements for the Hospital (HAP) and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) programs to address leadership, measurement, actions, and evaluation.
7 inspiring films & stories of hospital-community collaboration
Health Care Without Harm's new film and story series, "Partners in promoting health and equity: Stories of health care and community," explores how health care organizations can drive community collaboration and enrich
Use Earth Day to take steps toward building a culture of sustainability
I grew up in a temperate rainforest on the boundary of the Olympic National Park and the Quinault Indian Reservation in Washington. I have witnessed and experienced the effects of climate change. The melting of our local glacier has impacted salmon…
First industry partner forum of 2023
Join Practice Greenhealth on March 1 at 11:00 a.m. ET for our first partner forum of the year featuring 3M and Accenture.
Practice Greenhealth releases latest sustainability benchmark data
We are pleased to share Practice Greenhealth’s latest sustainability benchmark report, based on data from the 2021 calendar year.
Climate-smart pharmacy: A prescription for a healthier planet
Join us for the next Grand Round Series event featuring two pharmacists and a physician on Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT to learn about the climate impact of pharmaceuticals, including metered dose inhalers.
New virtual cohorts begin next month
As 2023 begins, we invite you to engage with the leaders and innovators available as part of our virtual cohorts to advance your sustainability efforts this year. Learn more about our virtual cohorts, and decide which quarterly sessions you would…
We're getting together in Pittsburgh for CleanMed
Join us May 23-25 in Pittsburgh at CleanMed 2023 as we connect, share, and build upon solutions for a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable health care sector.
Last Affiliate Premium Partner Forum of 2022
Learn and network with new affiliate premium partners
Join Practice Greenhealth on December 8 at 11:00 a.m. ET for our last partner forum of the year featuring GE HealthCare and Johnson & Johnson.
8 recipes and video demos to inspire your Plant-Forward Future
We teamed up with two chefs to create recipes and film demo videos for eight mouthwatering, plant-forward dishes.
Partner perspective: HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center
HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center’s assistant vice president of operations and sustainability officer shares how his team prioritizes sustainability projects with community impact, how his work inspires him, and the documentary he…
Meet the team: Matt Pietro
Matt Pietro has served Practice Greenhealth as sustainability strategy manager since February 2022. Learn about his proudest moment at Practice Greenhealth, who is on his A-team, and why he looks forward to Halloween.
Start your ovens: The Health Care Culinary Contest is back
Encourage your chef and culinary professionals to participate in our fourth Health Care Culinary Contest. Your facility could be home to the next America's top hospital chef.
The Inflation Reduction Act brings new opportunities for health care’s climate action
Our summary and deep dive into the details of this win for climate and health.
VIDEO: Colorado beans from field to tray
This short film follows Colorado farmers & processors who create products from locally grown pinto beans - and the hospitals who serve them
Partner perspective: PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center’s sustainability programs manager shares how dedicated colleagues and collaborations support the hospital’s sustainability initiatives and their hospital's “secret green weapon.”
White House event celebrates U.S. health care's commitment to address climate impacts
WASHINGTON (June 30, 2022) – At a White House event
Sustainable ophthalmology: Eye care with a vision for climate-smart surgery
Join us Sept. 22 for the next Grand Round Series event | Sustainable ophthalmology: Eye care with a vision for climate-smart surgery
Affiliate Premium Partner Forum
Learn and network with new affiliate premium partners
Join Practice Greenhealth at 11 a.m. ET, 8 a.m.
Announcing the winner of the Health Care Culinary Contest
We are excited to announce the grand prize winner of the 2021 Health Care Culinary Contest: UW Health’s Afghan-style vegetable korma.
Celebrating the 2022 Climate and Health Innovation Award recipient
The 2022 Climate and Health Innovation Award recipient is Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, in acknowledgement of their groundbreaking technology to capture waste anesthetic gas for recycling and reuse.
Mitchell named Health Care Without Harm’s 2022 Environmental Health Hero
Harold Mitchell, ReGenesis Community Development Corporation founder and executive director, is the recipient of Health Care Without Harm’s highest honor, the 2022 Environmental Health Hero Award.
Dr. Kathy Murphy honored with 2022 Charlotte Brody Award for environmental nursing leadership
Health Care Without Harm and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments are proud to present Dr. Kathy Murphy with the 2022 Charlotte Brody Award for exemplary environmental nursing leadership.
Plant Powered 30: A fun, new employee engagement activity
Plant Powered 30 is plug-and-play 30-day challenge to inspire your employees to choose a plant-forward meal once per day.
Celebrating the 2022 Emerging Physician Leader Award and Sadler Fellowship recipients
Join us in celebrating this year’s nine Emerging Physician Leader and Sadler Fellowship awardees chosen out of a large, exceptionally strong, and talented applicant pool.
Celebrating the 2022 Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award recipients
Join us in celebrating this year’s five Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award and Scholarship awardees.
Sustainable procurement insights
We need opinions from health care procurement and supply chain professionals.
Health care sustainability is changing more quickly than ever before, as are how procurement and supply chain professionals are seeking guidance and learning
Students, jumpstart your career in sustainable health care at CleanMed
Calling all health professional students, are you ready to jumpstart your career in sustainable health care? CleanMed is the premier national conference for leaders in health care sustainability – both current and future.
Welcoming clinician leaders to CleanMed
Calling all doctors, nurses, and other health professionals – you are invited to the annual CleanMed conference in Kansas City May 10-12, 2022.
Cook up climate action at CleanMed
At CleanMed 2022 May 10-12 in Kansas City, hear from experts on how to bring equity and diversity principles into food purchasing and how plant-forward menus and new food waste recovery strategies can help hospitals meet ambitious climate targets.
Level up your sustainable procurement at CleanMed
At CleanMed 2022 May 10-12 in Kansas City, explore how health care’s collective purchasing power can shape the marketplace, increase demand for sustainable products, and embrace our broader healing mission.
Join your fellow climate champions at CleanMed
2022 is the year we accelerate the decarbonization of health care. And CleanMed 2022 offers the strategies we need for moving from commitment to action to impact. Join us May 10-12 in Kansas City.
We’re getting together in Kansas City for CleanMed
CleanMed 2022 – the premier event for leaders in health care sustainability – will bring us back together in person May 10-12 in Kansas City.
Practice Greenhealth grows to over 1,400 hospitals
We are excited to share that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the Practice Greenhealth network has grown to more than 1,400 hospitals.
Welcoming new industry partners
Learn about the recent expansion of the Practice Greenhealth network to industry partners like manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, government agencies, nonprofits, and higher education, and our new quarterly partner forums.
Partner perspective: UCHealth
UCHealth's sustainability coordinator John Drigot and business manager for support services Lajju Sudhakar share why they're excited to be part of the Practice Greenhealth network, what they love most about their jobs, and innovations realized…
5 hospital chefs compete for gold with plant-forward recipes
Finalists revealed, winner to be announced at CleanMed 2022
The 2021 Health Care Culinary Contest broke new barriers for plant-forward cooking, and our fi
Grand rounds series: The path to climate-smart, net-zero emissions health care
Presented by Health Care Without Harm in partnership with the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, this five-part virtual grand rounds series explores strategies to reduce health care emissions and features the leadership of climate-
Affiliate Premium Partner Forum
Learn and network with new affiliate premium partners
Join Practice Greenhealth on March 9 at 11:00 a.m. ET as we kick off our 2022 partner forum series with B. Braun, Stericycle, and other affiliate premium partners.
Scope 3 GHG Emissions Accounting Tool released
To further assist our partner health systems and hospitals calculate their value chain emissions impact and identify where to focus reduction activities, we are pleased to release the Scope 3 GHG Emissions Accou
Destination CleanMed Series: Climate-smart health system strategies
The Destination CleanMed series features discussions building momentum that will culminate in Kansas City May 10-12 for CleanMed 2022. Register now and invite your colleagues, collaborators, and partners to this free event.
Cool Food Pledge information session (Free)
Find out more about the Cool Food Pledge in a free, 30-minute information session.
Tuesday, February 22 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m.
New resources to support data quality
Practice Greenhealth has been collecting sustainability performance data from hospitals and health systems for over 20 years.
Environmental Excellence Awards application deadline extended
UPDATE: Environmental Excellence award application deadline extended to May 4, 2022.
Earn the recognition you deserve
Validate your hard work and continue making the business case for sustainable operations by participating in
New virtual cohorts starting next month
Practice Greenhealth’s virtual cohorts have been facilitating meaningful dialogue among groups of sustainability and health care professionals for over five years.
CleanMed 2022 registration is open
CleanMed 2022 is going to Kansas City, Missouri, May 10-12.
New Pandemic perspective shares insights on health care sustainability
The COVID-19 pandemic upended health care and continues to have lasting impacts on the way we deliver care.
Partner perspective: Spectrum Health (Part 2 of 2)
Matt Cox has served as Spectrum Health’s CFO and the executive sponsor for the system’s sustainability program since 2017. In this second of a two-part feature on health care finance leaders and sustainability, Cox shares about Spectrum Health’s…
Shaw Industries’ commercial brands receive sustainability seal-of-approval
Patcraft & Shaw Contract become first flooring manufacturers with resilient and carpet tile products with Greenhealth Approved Seal
Today, Practice Greenhealth announced Shaw Industries’ commercial brands – Patcraft and Shaw
New Practice Greenhealth network industry partner opportunities
As the voice of sustainability in health care, Practice Greenhealth is ideally positioned to help our hospital partners meet challenges and capture opportunities facing our ever-changing industry.
Seeking America’s next top hospital chef
Ready to amp up your sales and customer satisfaction while simultaneously reducing your environmental impact? Then the Health Care Culinary Contest is the perfect addition to your sustainability work.
Partner perspective: Spectrum Health (Part 1 of 2)
Matt Cox has served as Spectrum Health’s CFO and the executive sponsor for the system’s sustainability program since 2017. In this first of a two-part feature on health care finance leaders and sustainability, Cox shares the role CFOs can play in…
Meet the team: Christopher Bodkin
Christopher Bodkin lives in rural New Hampshire and has served Practice Greenhealth as a data coordinator since 2013. Get his take on the importance of adopting a circular mindset, how data can drive a successful sustainability program, and his not-…
Practice Greenhealth announces 2021 Environmental Excellence Award winners
Practice Greenhealth is excited to announce the recipients of this year's Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing health care facilities across the country that have maintained and strengthened their commitment to sustainability amidst a pand
UCLA Health hero ensures PPE supply during pandemic & beyond
This innovative strategy is continuing to pay off over the long term with cost savings and environmental benefits.
Montefiore shares tips for reducing e-waste & GHG emissions while saving money
Since 2015, Montefiore Health System has diverted over 675,000 pounds of electronic waste from landfills, avoiding over 1.39 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and saving more than $500,000. Practice Greenhealth talked with Michael Matos,…
Partner perspective: CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital
Dustin Maddy has served CentraCare as the sustainability program analyst for the last nine years. Read about the impact both physicians and a maintenance worker are having on the health system’s leadership and sustainability journey.
12 health systems shift procurement strategies to address economic, racial & environmental disparities
Leading hospitals and health systems in the U.S. are gaining momentum toward decarbonization and community resilience while leveraging their assets to move policies and markets.
May 26: The health care sector joins the Race to Zero campaign
On May 26, Health Care Without Harm, in collaboration with the UN’s Climate Champions, will launch the Race to Zero campaign for health care, showcasing institutions from six continents that have joined the Race to Zero.
Protection without pollution: COVID-19 waste-reduction strategies
Our guides will help health systems, hospitals, and other health care providers set up successful immunization programs that protect the health of people and our planet.
Announcing the winner of the 2020 Health Care Culinary Contest
The grand prize winner of the 2020 Health Care Culinary Contest is: Stanford Health Care’s adobo de la tierra by Chef Noriel San Pedro.
Partner perspective: Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Suzanne Savanick Hansen has served Abbott Northwestern Hospital as the environmental sustainability specialist since June 2020. Read about the hospital’s new prioritization of sustainability and environmental justice in the heart of Minneapolis.
Meet the team: Hillary Greenwood
Hillary Greenwood has served Practice Greenhealth as director of advisory services since 2019. Prior to this role, she spent a decade in various roles in the organization. Greenwood lives in southwest Michigan with her husband and young son. Read on…
11 hospital food champions told us what plant-forward means to them
We asked 11 hospital food champions what plant-forward means to them. Hear their thoughts on shaping a #PlantForwardFuture and check out our new resources for chefs and food service pros.
Supporting resilient communities, one meal at a time
New California culinary center creates 150 living-wage jobs, distributes 50,000 meals daily
6 CleanMed virtual sessions recordings now available
If you were unable to attend the sessions live, or if you would like to view and share any – or all – of them again, the recordings are now available.
Changes to Environmental Excellence Awards
Practice Greenhealth revised our Environmental Excellence Awards process for the 2021 awards season. We look forward to celebrating hospitals that have continued their sustainability work in the face of incredible challenges.
Kaiser Permanente becomes first major health system to reach carbon neutrality
The Practice Greenhealth member said the carbon neutrality offsets its estimated 800,000-ton annual carbon footprint, or the equivalent of 175,000 cars.
Meet the team: Kate Gottlieb
Kate Gottlieb has served as a Practice Greenhealth sustainability strategy manager since February. She lives in Yakima, Washington. Learn about what prompted her to work on environmental sustainability initiatives and how she went from hunting and…
Santore selected for 2020 leadership award
Practice Greenhealth’s Visionary Leader Award annually recognizes a senior-level health care executive who has effectively advocated for sustainability and environmental stewardship into health care operations through innovative strategies and…
3-time Greening the OR champ saves $1 million
For the third year in a row, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center received Practice Greenhealth’s Greening the OR Leadership Award for their industry-leading, comprehensive program.
The new seal for sustainable health care purchasing
The Greenhealth Approved seal allows health care purchasers to easily identify sustainable alternatives to products they currently purchase.
11 hospitals healing health care through sustainable purchasing
Health facilities are prioritizing sustainable procurement both for financial sustainability and for the benefit of their patients, staff, community, and planet. These 11 hospitals are helping set the sustainable standard.
Your new guide for sustainable procurement
A groundbreaking new guide, featuring stories from 25 health care organizations around the globe, offers a roadmap to develop a sustainable purchasing strategy that prioritizes community and environmental health and safety while reducing costs.
How to reduce waste during a pandemic
It may seem impossible to reduce waste when solely focused on supporting COVID-19 patients, but with shortages in PPE supplies, reducing waste is still at the forefront of ways for hospitals to reduce their carbon footprint and save money.
Resourceful PPE strategies bridged the gap, now hospitals seek sustainable solutions
As supplies of personal protective equipment dwindled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the country were innovative and resourceful.
25 hospitals setting the standard for sustainability in health care
This year’s recipients of the Top 25 Environmental Excellence Awards demonstrate the kind of leadership, innovation, and performance that can drive the entire health sector forward.
Virtual session recording: Building community health and resilience beyond COVID-19
Featuring a diverse range of thought leaders, this virtual session addressed a number of challenging questions facing the health care sector.
COVID-19 update
To our health care community, thank you for your tireless work during this unprecedented time. Supporting you remains our priority.
OR nurses repurpose blue wrap for those in need
University of Chicago Health’s operating room nurses joined together as volunteers off-hours to craft sleeping bags out of their volumes of disposable blue wrap.
Earth Day 2020: Show and tell
April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and this year’s theme is climate action. There is no better time to raise our collective voice and show the world how health care leads on climate to protect health.
2019 health care food trends
More and more hospitals are supporting healthy food choices, bolstering greater food access, and elevating the connection between dietary patterns and health — for people and the planet.
Driving down emissions through fleet strategy
As large employers, hospitals and health systems have the opportunity to influence vehicle emissions generated from employee commutes, supply transport, and fleet vehicles.
Taking Practice Greenhealth on the road
Read about Scott Rich’s recent visits with Practice Greenhealth partners, prospects, and advisory services to find out what is important to them and the challenges they face as we work on sustainability issues together.
On the road - and the boardwalk - with HealthPartners
Shanda Demorest’s recap of her visit to Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital to talk with infection prevention gurus about climate science, health care’s carbon footprint, and environmental sustainability.
Win a trip to Orlando with the Culinary Contest
Ready to amp up your sales and customer satisfaction while simultaneously reducing your environmental impact? Then the Health Care Culinary Contest is the perfect addition to your sustainability work.
What happens when you pay employees not to park?
Instead of building additional parking spaces, one hospital chose instead to pay their employees to “liberate their parking space” from May through September 2018.
Global health care sector is a major contributor to the climate crisis
New report provides first-ever estimate of health care’s global climate footprint, calls for zero emissions.
Regions Hospital shows how contest can spice up sustainability work
Regions Hospital, a Practice Greenhealth member in Minnesota, used the Health Care Culinary Contest to launch plant-forward options, making the healthier choice the exciting choice.
New tree planting program for hospitals
Health care institutions in the United States are partnering with community forestry programs to boost urban tree cover.
Meet the team: Julie Moyle
Learn about her proudest moment at Practice Greenhealth, her thoughts on emerging issues in sustainability in health care, and what song makes her squirm.
Guided by the philosophy of ‘why’
From system-wide sustainable meat to green chemicals, Modupe has become a bastion for sustainable procurement as Hackensack Meridian Health’s vice president for hospitality services.
UW Health lowers energy intensity by 25%
UW Health quietly pushed forward since its 2017’s big achievement in LEED Gold for the American Center, a first for Wisconsin and one of 17 in the United States.
On the road: From the stage to the utility plant at Mayo Clinic’s Rochester campus
In June, Practice Greenhealth’s Iqbal Mian spent a day exploring the Mayo Clinic Rochester campus while connecting with stakeholders on sustainability.
For hospitals, ‘plant-forward’ means big sales and a cooler planet
University of California San Francisco Medical Center introduced plant-forward menu concepts. Customers loved it and sales soared. These meals just happen to also be good for the planet.
Meet the team: Shanda Demorest
Shanda Demorest joined Practice Greenhealth as a member engagement manager in May 2019. She lives in Minneapolis.
Practice Greenhealth offers members report cards to enhance goal-setting
Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards program provides a platform to annually assess which programs are in place and to capture the stories that illustrate health care’s sustainability successes.
Maximizing the role of governance in environmental stewardship strategy
Practice Greenhealth’s 2019 Visionary Leader Award winner Barbara Tretheway shares her strategies for driving environmental stewardship engagement for almost 20 years at HealthPartners.
Memorial Sloan Kettering saves big, is honored for achievements
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has demonstrated consistent commitment and innovation toward environmental stewardship in their operating rooms.
Meet the team: Thresa Pattee
Discover her favorite volunteer activity in her hometown, her not-so-secret talents, and how a stint in France led Thresa to sustainability.
Leading U.S. hospitals recognized for their sustainability commitment
Practice Greenhealth is excited to announce this year’s recipients of the Top 25 Environmental Excellence Awards.
Local doctor-farmer gives a foodie tour of Nashville
The good doctor also has a prescription for the health of people, communities, and our planet. And it happens to be delicious.
Sutter Health and Practice Greenhealth gather for healthier environments visioning
Representatives from across Sutter Health’s system came together to look back and vision for the future.
Practice Greenhealth offers pharmaceutical disposal guidance
A new guidance document helps health care facilities properly and legally manage controlled substances.
Practice Greenhealth member saves money with sustainable office supplies
“Our purchasing decisions not only contribute to our cost and quality goals but connect us to our core values."
USA Today: Practice Greenhealth members prove business case for sustainability
Practice Greenhealth members were featured on the front page of USA Today.
Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to join sustainability leaders at CleanMed
Gina McCarthy is the latest to join the growing number of sustainability thought leaders and innovators presenting at CleanMed in Nashville this May.
PBS highlights Practice Greenhealth members' climate efforts
In a February feature story, PBS NewsHour described several Practice Greenhealth members and their efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the health care sector.
Practice Greenhealth highlights members’ progress during national energy efficiency event
"It is refreshing to attend these events and represent our members. I came back with a renewed charge for 2019 as the Environmental Excellence awards season is in full swing."
Rochester Regional Health recognized for climate innovations
In 2018, Practice Greenhealth member Rochester Regional Health was selected as the inaugural winner of the Climate and Health Innovation Award.
Practice Greenhealth members join Health Care Climate Council
Two new members have joined the leadership body of health systems committed to protecting their patients and employees from climate health impacts.
Practice Greenhealth visits HCA Healthcare
By Janet Howard, Practice Greenhealth member engagement manager
UC Health commits to 100% clean energy by 2025
The University of California (UC) announced a bold expansion of its systemwide
Practice Greenhealth's Christopher Bodkin honored as GreenBiz 30 under 30
From GreenBiz:
"We're pleased to introduce the 2018 class of 30 inspiring young leaders who are demonstrating the world-changing pr
CleanMed sessions free for members to view
For the first time, we’re providing all Practice Greenhealth members with access to view the more than 60 CleanMed sessions for free.
Sharing Greening the OR strategies and savings
Practice Greenhealth recently attended the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses conference in New Orleans to promote environmental best practices in the operating room.
Hospitals recognized for their sustainability leadership
Practice Greenhealth has announced the winners of its annual Top 25 Environmental Excellence Awards.
Baby steps toward big goals: Dr. Gandhi’s leadership in the OR
By Kaeleigh Sheehan, Member Engagement and Greening the OR manager
GreenBiz left me feeling hopeful
By Lauren Koch, Health Care Without Harm climate and health program associate director
On the Road: Practice Greenhealth partners with Dignity Health
By Iqbal Mian, Practice Greenhealth member engagement manager
Validation, motivation, and reputation: How the Environmental Excellence Awards can strengthen member’s sustainability efforts
On a recent winter morning, Michael J.
Celebrate Award Winners
The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellend Award winners were honrered at the awards Gala & Celebration Dinner held on May 9 during CleanMed 2018 in San Diego, California. The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellend Award winners we
Healthier environments demonstrate respect for health care workers
By Veronique Nagle, Practice Greenhealth human resources director
Millennials and sustainability: Recruiting and retaining the next generation of health care
Research shows millennials are inspired by the opportunity to make a difference.
Health Care Without Harm's Bill Ravanesi earns "Environmental Champion Award"
The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellend Award winners were honrered at the awards Gala & Celebration Dinner held on May 9 during CleanMed 2018 in San Diego, California. The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellend Award winners we
Healthier environments demonstrate respect for health care workers
As a Practice Greenhealth member, your organization is striving for healthier environments, healthier people, and a healthier bottom line. In times of trying to do more with less, while also.
How 5 hospitals set environmental purchasing priorities and saved millions
By Beth Eckl, Practice Greenhealth Environmental Purchasing program director
Envisioning an ‘Udderly Green’ future for health care landscapes
What began as an employee engagement campaign at Gundersen Health System blossomed into a project aimed at inspiring health care landscapers across the country.
Anesthesia providers lead in health care GHG reduction
How 1 hospital is saving $20k a month and reducing GHGs
By Kaeleigh Sheehan, Practice Greenhealth Greening the OR and member engagement manager
Following our food: How health care can inform the data revolution and bring transparency to the plate
Are local and sustainable foods the same thing? The response, in short, is not always. This blog is part 3 in a series about separating local and sustainable metrics for accuracy.
The role of transportation in achieving hospital greenhouse gas reduction goals
Julie Moyle, MSN, RN, outreach and engagement specialist
New Hospital Resource Highlights Environmental Best Practices
[From Ohio Hospital Assocation] The Ohio Hospital Association’s Energy and Sustainability Program teamed up wit
Educating clinicians on health impacts of climate change
By Sarah Spengeman, Ph.D., Health Care Without Harm Climate and Health program associate director
In Search of Sustainable Products
By John Strong Principal of John Strong, LLC and serves as president of Greenhealth Management
Greening the Operating Room
By Kaeleigh Sheehan, Member Engagement Manager, Greening the OR
On the Road with Practice Greenhealth: June 2017 Greenbeat
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. Welcomed Hermine Levey Weston
By Hermine Levey Weston, RN MBA
Effectively Managing Waste Anesthesia Gas
Only about 5 percent of administered anesthesia gas is metabolized by the patient.
Association of Climate Change Officers and Practice Greenhealth Announce Partnership
Organizations To Align Efforts on Education & Training of Healthcare System Professionals
Practice Greenhealth Announces Winners of Top 25 Environmental Excellence Awards
Most prestigious environmental achievement award recognizing sector’s top hospitals
Major Food Service Management Companies Help to Fill the GAP for Hospital Chicken Needs
Hillary Greenwood, National Procurement Director, Health Care Without Harm, Healthy Food in Health Care Program
The Environmental Excellence Awards
Each year, a growing number of Practice Greenhealth members participate in the Environmental Excellence Awards.
Practice Greenhealth’s Sustainability Benchmark Report Shows Strong Progress in Environmental Performance Among Nation’s Leading Hospitals
Details health care sustainability trends across key areas: green purchasing, safer chemicals, climate change mitigation, energy and waste reduction, local and sustainable food
Over 70 Hospitals Engaged in Conscientious Culinary Creativity for Food Day
Blog posted by the Healthy Food Team of Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm
Florida Health Systems share water and energy efficiency best practices
In response to challenges associated with climate conditions, the Florida Hospital Association launched its Hospital Sustainability Collaborative.
Blue Wrap and the Circular Economy
Christopher Bodkin, Data Coordinator Sector Performance and Recognition
On the Road with Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth at HPRC and Wisconsin Healthy Hospitals & Clinics Forum
Iqbal Mian, Member Engagement Manager
Think Locally, Track Sustainability
Are local and sustainable foods the same thing? The response, in short, is not always. This blog is part 2 in a series about separating local and sustainable metrics for accuracy.
Greenhealth Exchange Issues Statement on Sustainable Meat and Poultry
Nine health systems called on food producers and manufacturers to meet the growing demand for meat and poultry raised without routine antibiotics.
New exchange aims to bleed green, not red
Greenhealth pushes sustainable products, services to the forefront of contract availability
Accurate measuring of “local” and “sustainable” starts with separation
Are local and sustainable foods the same thing? The response, in short, is not always. This blog is part 1 in a series about separating local and sustainable metrics for accuracy.
Practice Greenhealth and Feeding America Partner to Mobilize Health Care
Hospitals and food banks will provide nutritious food to communities in need across the country.
The Power of Visioning and Goal Setting
Kathy Gerwig presented Kaiser Permanente’s Bold Goals for improved environmental performance in a Practice Greenhealth March 2016 webinar entitled “
Furniture Companies Release Lists of Environmentally Preferable Products
Showcases growing movement to eliminate chemicals of concern from health care
[Reston, VA] Eleven furniture manufacturers and two textile suppliers have publicly released lists of products that avoid the u
Dignity Health to Divest from Coal and Invest in Green Investments
Eric Lerner, US Climate Director, Health Care Without Harm
How are health care quality improvement and environmental sustainability connected?
By Hermine Levey Weston, RN MBA, Member Engagement Manager, Practice Greenhealth
University of Maryland Medical Center Awarded LEED Certification for Shock Trauma Critical Care Tower
Baltimore – Oct. 13, 2015.
2015 Sustainable Operations Survey
10.07.15 by Beth Burmahl, Suzanna Hoppszallern Senior Editor, Jamie Morgan
A Greener Operating Room
As your stretcher is wheeled into a hospital operating room (OR) and you stare up at the bright surgical lights, you are likely thinking about your impending surgery, not if those lights have LED bulbs or if the anesthetic gas you are about to bre
Montefiore Health System cuts energy use with sustainable initiatives
Challenge
Control Montefiore Health System and Medical Centers energy budget while increasing ROI through low-risk and diverse strategies and initiatives.
Special Report: Building the Business Case for More Sustainable Hospitals
By Keith Sutter, Director of Medical Device Sustainability, Johnson & Johnson
Gundersen installs medication disposal containers for public drop off
Gundersen Health System is building upon its successful pharmaceutical waste collection program with separate medication disposal containers for public use.
Environmental Sustainability and the Triple Aim
Blog by Blair Sadler, Esq., Senior Fellow, Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Now is the time to make environmental sustainability part of your quality improvement work.
Hospital’s ‘Green Team’ cuts waste and expense
Hospital’s ‘Green Team’ cuts waste and expense
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 2:24 PM
By E. A. Barrera/Special to the Index-Tribune
Rethinking Environmentally Preferred Purchasing: A Case Study in Implementation at Kaiser Permanente
By Vanessa Lochner, Kaiser Permanente's director for the Environmentally Preferred Purchasing program
The business case for sustainability in surgery
Moyle, Julie K. MSN, RN; Lynn, Cecilia DeLoach MBA, LEED AP
Author Information
Promoting Sustainable Health Care
By Gary Cohen, president and founder of Health Care Without Harm
Poco a Poco – Sharing Jaibon, Dominican Republic – Janet Brown
Two weeks ago, my daughter Franni and I (along with two other moms and their 8th grade girls) embarked on a volunteer trip to Jaibon, Dominican Republic through a not for profit— Outreach 360.
Member Spotlight: Advocate Health Care’s Environmental Stewardship
Advocate Health Care has made a commitment to delivering sustainable health care through conservation of resources, preservation of environmental health, and waste minimization.
Physician Leadership Critical to Greening the OR Initiative
By Jodi Sherman, MD, Guest Blogger -
CleanMed Connect is almost here. Don't miss out.
Whether you’re just entering the professional realm of the health care sector, or you’re a seasoned climate activist at your health system, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with leading experts in sustainable health care May 18-20.
Register…
Announcing the 2019 winner of the Health Care Culinary Contest
Adventist Health Chef Nina Curtis won the Health Care Culinary Contest with her Vitaliz haystack recipe. To honor her, Health Care Without Harm made a donation in Curtis’ name to Placer Food Bank.
Get fired up for CleanMed
Join us May 6-8 in Atlanta to experience more than 50 sessions, including interactive workshops that will provide collaboration opportunities unlike any other health care sustainability conference.
New toolkit helps hospitals track emissions to protect health, reduce costs
Recent reports underscore the urgency of hospitals doing their part to reduce emissions to protect the health of their patients and communities. This was designed to get you started.
Health care industry must adopt ‘circular mindset’
The circular economy model is a new way of looking at the relationships among markets, customers, and natural resources. This concept means moving away from the traditional “take-make dispose” economic model to one that is regenerative by design.…
Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth honor environmental health heroes
In May 2019, Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm honored nine individuals and four hospital staffs for their leadership and commitment to environmental excellence.
Join Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth is the health care sector’s go-to source for information, tools, data, resources, and expert technical support on sustainability initiatives that help hospitals and health systems meet their health, financial, and community goals.
Who We Are
Practice Greenhealth is the leading sustainable health care organization, delivering environmental solutions to more than 1,500 hospitals and health systems in the United States and Canada. Partnership opportunities include hospitals, health systems, community health organizations, NGOs, nonprofits, government, academic institutions, and the health care value chain.