The Joint Commission Launches Sustainable Healthcare Certification for Hospitals

The Joint Commission has launched a voluntary Sustainable Healthcare Certification program for U.S. hospitals, effective Jan. 1. The program, available to Joint Commission accredited and non-Joint Commission accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals, provides a framework to help organizations begin, continue or expand their decarbonization efforts and to receive public recognition for their commitment and achievements in contributing to environmental sustainability.

The program includes setting priorities and governance for sustainability initiatives, creating baselines to measure three sources of greenhouse gas emissions and developing an action plan to reduce them. Hospitals can begin working toward certification immediately and apply as soon as Jan. 1. Prior to this formal launch date, interested hospitals may complete a pre-application form. Learn more at jointcommission.org.

The Joint Commission also has launched an online Sustainable Healthcare Resource Center. The resource center provides key strategies, tools, literature, videos and links to help organizations get started on sustainability, as well as innovative solutions for those that have already taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint. It can assist hospitals as they prepare for SHC and serve as a forum to share and learn from others.