Maine hospitals are leading the charge towards environmental sustainability, focusing efforts on significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Despite their indispensable and continuous operations, hospitals are notorious for being substantial energy consumers, contributing remarkably to carbon emissions. In recent times, however, these institutions have been increasingly proactive in adopting measures aimed at creating a more sustainable future while acknowledging their pivotal role in combating climate change.
The Health Care Carbon Footprint Problem
Tim Doak, chief environmental sustainability officer of Northern Light Health, highlights a concerning statistic: the U.S. health care sector is responsible for an alarming 10% of the nation’s total carbon emissions, surpassing even the aviation industry. The United States alone accounts for 27% of global health care-related emissions, a figure that overshadows China, which, despite having a much larger population, contributes only 17%. These figures underscore the significant impact of the health care sector on the environment and the pressing need for renewed efforts towards sustainability.
Historically, hospitals have been significant energy consumers due to their round-the-clock operations, which often take place in older, less energy-efficient buildings. The high dependency on disposable products and the demand for extensive air circulation systems further exacerbate their carbon footprint. However, many hospitals are now recognizing their responsibility and potential to become more environmentally friendly. Measures such as energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction initiatives, and greener procurement strategies are becoming central to hospital operations. The shift towards sustainability within the health care sector is indeed a promising development, signifying a broader commitment to addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
Northern Light Health’s Initiatives
Northern Light Health has been at the forefront of efforts to lower its carbon footprint by implementing various impactful measures. One of the most significant steps taken is the discontinuation of desflurane, a high-carbon anesthetic gas. The elimination of desflurane from medical procedures has led to a substantial reduction in the system’s annual carbon dioxide emissions by 408 metric tons. This initiative underscores the importance of revisiting and re-evaluating the use of high-emission medical substances in favor of more sustainable alternatives.
In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, Northern Light Health has also pledged to the Health Sector Pledge, an initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The pledge sets ambitious targets, aiming for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050. Encouragingly, over 1,100 U.S. hospitals have joined this pledge, reflecting a collective effort within the health care industry to address climate change. Such collective actions are essential for driving significant and lasting environmental improvements across the sector, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Specific Actions by Northern Light Health
Northern Light Health’s comprehensive approach to sustainability encompasses several forward-thinking strategies. These include incorporating heat pumps to replace or supplement older, fossil fuel-based systems, transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout its buildings, composting food waste to reduce landfill contributions, and converting gas-powered vehicles to electric alternatives. As of this year, 15 out of the 100 vehicles in Northern Light’s fleet are electric, with plans to further increase this number in the near future.
A notable example of these initiatives in action can be found at the Fore River pharmacy in Portland. Here, a Chevy Bolt EV is employed for daily tasks, such as deliveries and inter-pharmacy travel, significantly reducing emissions associated with traditional gas-powered vehicles. According to Adam Jordan, the pharmacist-in-charge, the usage of the electric vehicle has substantially contributed to Northern Light’s emissions reduction goals. These tangible actions not only demonstrate the hospital system’s commitment to sustainability but also provide a roadmap for other health care institutions aiming to achieve similar environmental objectives.
Waste Reduction Efforts
In its pursuit of minimizing waste, Northern Light Health has implemented various innovative and sustainable practices. One critical initiative involves the reprocessing and reuse of disposable items used in surgeries, which traditionally would have contributed significantly to landfill waste. By reprocessing these items, the hospital system not only reduces waste but also promotes a culture of reuse within the medical field.
Air mattresses, which are commonly used in patient care and typically discarded after use, are now being sent back for reprocessing rather than being thrown away. According to Mary McCarthy, a nurse and associate vice president of supply chain programs and partnerships at Northern Light, these measures have significantly reduced the amount of waste produced by the hospital. Such initiatives highlight the importance of rethinking and redesigning supply chains to create more sustainable health care practices. These efforts not only conserve resources but also reduce the environmental footprint of medical operations by extending the lifecycle of medical products.
MaineHealth’s Sustainable Practices
MaineHealth, another major player in the state’s health care system, has also committed to significant emission reduction goals. The organization aims to reduce emissions by 25% by 2027, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Under the leadership of chief operating officer Kelly Elkins, MaineHealth has been implementing an array of strategies since 2022 to achieve these ambitious targets. Strategies include switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, insulating outdated pipes, integrating renewable energy sources for heating and cooling, reducing food waste, and phasing out the use of desflurane gas.
To further enhance sustainability, MaineHealth has optimized driving routes for efficiency and prioritized the use of sustainably sourced food in hospital cafeterias. These measures address various aspects of carbon emissions, from energy consumption in hospital facilities to the environmental impact of hospital operations and food services. This comprehensive approach demonstrates MaineHealth’s dedication to cultivating a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility within its network, setting a strong example for other health care institutions.
Collaborative Efforts and Broader Impact
Both Northern Light Health and MaineHealth are extending their sustainability efforts beyond their individual systems by fostering broader, collaborative initiatives. Northern Light Health has initiated the Maine Health Care Climate Collaborative, which includes approximately 75% of Maine’s health care systems. This collaborative effort aims to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for reducing emissions and promoting sustainability across the state’s health care industry.
MaineHealth has also joined Practice Greenhealth, a national organization dedicated to helping hospitals reduce their environmental impact through shared knowledge and practices. By participating in these broader coalitions, both Northern Light Health and MaineHealth are demonstrating their commitment to collective action and continuous improvement in sustainability efforts. These collaborative endeavors are crucial for driving systemic change in the health care sector, ensuring that environmental impacts are addressed comprehensively and effectively across the industry.
The Need for Stricter Regulations
Maine hospitals are at the forefront of pursuing environmental sustainability, determinedly working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although these hospitals play an essential role and operate non-stop, they are also known for being significant energy consumers, substantially contributing to carbon emissions. Recognizing their impact, these healthcare institutions have in recent years taken a much more proactive stance in adopting measures to foster a more sustainable future. Efforts include implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste, and fostering a greener culture within their operations. The goal is not just to maintain their essential services but also to play a critical role in addressing climate change and shifting towards a low-carbon economy. They aim to synchronize excellent patient care with responsible environmental stewardship. This ongoing commitment reflects a growing recognition within the healthcare community of the need to balance quality medical services with the imperative of environmental responsibility. By continuing to innovate and lead by example, Maine hospitals are setting a standard for others to follow in the healthcare sector’s battle against climate change.
