The Joint Commission, a leading healthcare accreditation and certification organization, has announced the launch of a new Sustainable Healthcare Certification (SHC) program for U.S. hospitals. This voluntary program, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, aims to help healthcare organizations accelerate their sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The SHC program is available to both Joint Commission accredited and non-accredited hospitals, as well as critical access hospitals. It provides a framework to support organizations in initiating, enhancing, or expanding their decarbonization efforts. Moreover, it offers public recognition for their commitment and achievements in contributing to environmental sustainability.
The certification program’s national standards and elements of performance establish a structured approach to accelerate the healthcare industry’s sustainability efforts. It includes setting priorities and governance for sustainability initiatives, establishing baselines to measure three sources of GHG emissions, and developing an action plan for emission reduction.
Healthcare organizations that prioritize sustainability can benefit from cost savings, operational efficiencies, staff recruitment and retention, as well as potential payments and tax credits through recent federal incentives. Moreover, decarbonization in healthcare is crucial for improving healthcare equity and patient safety, particularly for individuals who are already burdened with adverse social determinants of health.
Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, MSHA, MACP, FACMI, President and CEO of The Joint Commission Enterprise, expressed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with healthcare organizations that lead the way in sustainability excellence. He believes that by working together, the healthcare sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, minimizing hospital visits, illnesses, premature deaths, and medical costs associated with severe weather events and other climate impacts.
Prominent leaders in the healthcare industry have expressed their support for sustainable healthcare. Frederick P. Cerise, MD, MPH, President and CEO of Parkland Health, emphasized the importance of sustainability from both a public health and healthcare equity perspective. He highlighted the impact of climate change on underserved populations and stressed that sustainability aligns with their mission to focus on those communities.
To support healthcare organizations on their sustainability journey, The Joint Commission has also launched an online Sustainable Healthcare Resource Center. This platform provides essential strategies, tools, literature, videos, and links to assist organizations in building a sustainable framework. The Resource Center caters to hospitals preparing for SHC certification and serves as a valuable forum for knowledge sharing.
Hospitals interested in pursuing the certification can begin working towards it immediately and apply starting from January 1, 2024. Prior to the formal launch, interested hospitals have the option to complete a pre-application form.
The Joint Commission’s SHC program aims to empower healthcare organizations to embrace sustainable practices, reduce GHG emissions, and contribute to a healthier future for individuals, communities, and the planet. With the support of industry leaders and healthcare innovators, this certification program has the potential to drive meaningful change in the healthcare sector’s environmental impact.
