Environmental stewardship

At CommonSpirit Health, our mission guides us in our commitment to improve the health of the people we serve - in mind, body and spirit. 

A healthy environment - fresh water to drink, clean air to breathe, fertile soil in which to grow our food - is vital to our health. We must take action today toward environmental sustainability by reducing our footprint on Earth, preserving natural resources and protecting the environment, to leave our common home a better, healthier place. 

Connecting mission to action

U.S. hospitals produce more than 5.9 million tons of waste every year. As one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation, we have a great responsibility to recognize this environmental impact and be leaders of change. Our commitment to the greater good through environmentally responsible practices exemplifies our care and commitment to all we serve.

CommonSpirit 2030 energy goals*

  • Decrease energy consumption 25% (as measured in kBTUs/square foot)
  • Decrease water consumption 25% (as measured in gallons/square foot)
  • Increase use of renewable energy 20%
  • Decrease greenhouse gas emissions 40%
  • Design new hospitals at 15% below current energy efficiency standards

*Based on a 2019 baseline

 

CommonSpirit sustainability initiatives and programs

  • Advocacy: We recognize that public policy activities directly correlate to our healing mission. We advocate and work with sustainability partners, such as:
    • America is All In, a coalition of U.S. leaders, co-led by CommonSpirit CEO Lloyd H. Dean, to drive a society-wide mobilization to reach at least 50-52% emissions reductions by 2030. 
  • Supply chain: We are working to embed sustainability into our purchasing processes and engage suppliers to provide innovative, sustainable products with a reduced impact on human health and the environment. 
  • Climate resilience: CommonSpirit is committed to reducing the impacts of climate change through:
    • Partnering with ecoAmerica to educate and encourage caregivers and employees regarding the connection between climate and health and to advocate for improvements in climate change measures.
  • Laudato Si Challenge and Season of Creation action from Pope Francis, challenging Catholics worldwide to help our collective home. 
  • Eco-activities in our hospitals and communities like planting trees and partnering with food banks to reduce food waste.
  • Vendor collaborations such as reducing the use of plastics in our operating rooms.
  • Recognition through awards like the 2020 Challenge Gold Award for climate advocacy leadership from Global Green and Healthy Hospitals.

Sustainability resources

  • Water Calculator

    Did you know that each time you run the faucet while you brush your teeth, you are using about 3 gallons of water per minute? We can be conscious consumers of this precious resource by using this calculator to determine our water footprint.

  • Carbon Calculator

    When we drive our cars, use electricity or dispose of waste, we leave a carbon footprint. What is your carbon footprint? Discover it by using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carbon calculator.

  • Recycling

    Learn how recycling works in the United States and how you can help reduce waste from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  • Practice Greenhealth

    The leading membership and networking organization for sustainable health care, delivering environmental solutions to hospitals and health systems across the United States.

  • Eco Tips

    Tips to guide us toward sustainable living.

  • Quotes

    Earth Quotes and Reflections to share and reflect.