Hackensack Meridian Health Leads with Nation's First Sustainable Healthcare Certification

In a groundbreaking announcement on March 6, four Hackensack Meridian Health facilities have set a new precedent in the healthcare industry by becoming the first in the United States to earn The Joint Commission's Sustainable Healthcare Certification (SHC). This remarkable achievement not only highlights the network's commitment to environmental stewardship but also its pioneering role in integrating sustainability with healthcare excellence.

A Vision for Sustainable Healthcare

The certification process, as introduced by The Joint Commission, challenges healthcare organizations to establish and implement comprehensive strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from three primary sources. For Hackensack Meridian Health, this meant not only reevaluating their operational footprint but also taking bold steps towards minimizing their environmental impact. Through initiatives like enhancing solar power usage, diverting 40,000 pounds of waste from landfills, reprocessing medical devices, and investing in green cleaning supplies and energy-efficient upgrades, these facilities have showcased what it means to lead by example in the quest for a sustainable future.

More Than Just a Certification

What makes this recognition even more significant is the dual achievement of three of the certified facilities, which also received The Joint Commission's health equity certification. This dual recognition, a testament to Hackensack Meridian Health's holistic approach to healthcare, underscores the network's dedication not only to the planet but also to ensuring equitable healthcare outcomes across diverse communities. By addressing both environmental sustainability and health equity, Hackensack Meridian Health is redefining the benchmarks for excellence in healthcare.

Setting the Bar for the Future

As the first healthcare network in the nation to achieve this sustainability certification, Hackensack Meridian Health has laid down a gauntlet for others in the industry. Their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050 is not just ambitious—it's a clarion call for action. This pioneering move illustrates a deep understanding that protecting patient health goes hand in hand with protecting the planet. It's a reminder that the healthcare sector, responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, has a critical role to play in mitigating climate change.

As we move forward, the steps taken by Hackensack Meridian Health serve as a beacon of progress, demonstrating that with commitment and innovation, the healthcare industry can indeed become a leader in sustainability. This certification marks not just a milestone for Hackensack Meridian Health but a milestone for the healthcare industry at large, offering a glimpse into a future where healthcare and environmental stewardship are inextricably linked.