Sustainability

Our mission is to lead in sustainable healthcare by integrating environmental, social, and economic practices that protect planetary health, reduce our carbon footprint, and enhance the health and well-being of our patients, our workforce, and our community

At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, we believe we have a collective responsibility to lead in healthcare sustainability by integrating environmental stewardship, social responsibility, economic viability, and planetary health into all aspects of our operations. By doing so, we aim to inspire and guide others to achieve excellence in sustainable practices, creating a healthier world for current and future generations.

• Sustainable Operations: We focus on reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste, achieving clinical and administrative efficiencies through innovative technologies and best practices.
• Social Responsibility: We foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all and we engage with our community to address social determinants of health both within and outside the hospital.
• Economic Viability: We ensure that our sustainability initiatives not only benefit the environment and society but also contribute to the long-term financial health of the hospital, supporting the delivery of high-quality care.
• Planetary Health: We advocate for the interdependence between human health and the health of our planet, we integrate actions that contribute to the well-being of both into our operations.

We work cross-functionally to achieve shared goals with many key partners throughout our organization, including:

• Energy Consumption
• Waste Management
• Food
• Transportation
• Healthy Buildings
• Climate Resilience
• Water
• Procurement (Supply Chain)
• Clinical and Administrative Operations
• Workforce and Community Engagement
• Policy / Regulatory / Governance

• Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050: Commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero across all operations.
• Reduce Energy Consumption and Transition to Renewable Energy: Implement energy efficiency measures and integrate renewable energy with a plan to expand over time.
• Achieve Zero Waste to Landfill by 2035: Maximize recycling, composting, and waste reduction efforts.
• Reduce Water Use: Operate within regional water availability limits.
• Healthy Building Practices and Climate Resilience: Design new and improve our existing infrastructure to meet the highest standards of environmental efficiency and build capacity to provide uninterrupted care during climate-related disruptions.
• Sustainable Supply Chain: Partner with vendors committed to sustainable practices, from sourcing to delivery.
• Community Engagement: Build partnerships with local organizations to promote social equity and environmental awareness in the broader community.
• Promote Health Equity in All Sustainability Initiatives: Ensure that sustainability efforts benefit all populations, particularly those most vulnerable to adverse environmental outcomes.
• Align Operations with Planetary Boundaries: Ensure all practices operate within the safe limits of the planet's ecosystems.
• Foster a Culture of Sustainability and Innovation: Encourage continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable healthcare practices.

We explore the connections between environmental factors, such as pollution, climate change, and access to green spaces, and their effects on health.

By enhancing our understanding regarding how environmental conditions contribute to disease prevalence and patient outcomes, we aim to inform public health strategies and healthcare practices that mitigate environmental risks and promote healthier living environments.

We work to identify and address the root causes of health disparities by understanding how social determinants influence health. We aim to develop and implement interventions that promote health equity and improve access to care for vulnerable populations.

We study the integration of sustainable practices within healthcare systems and their impact on patient care, operational efficiency, and environmental outcomes.

We assess the effectiveness of sustainable healthcare interventions, such as energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction programs, and sustainable procurement practices. We seek to demonstrate the health, environmental, and economic benefits of sustainable healthcare delivery and to develop best practices that can be adopted across the healthcare sector.

As part of our Lead@Lahey Program with UMass-Chan Regional Medical School campus at Lahey, we are integrating sustainability education into the medical student curriculum, ensuring that future healthcare leaders are well-versed in sustainable healthcare practices. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the environmental and social impacts of healthcare, preparing them to implement sustainable solutions in their future careers. Through hands-on learning, research opportunities, and mentorship, students in the Lead@Lahey Program will play a critical role in advancing the sustainability of healthcare delivery.

Become part of a community of like-minded individuals and organizations committed to driving positive change in healthcare.

Collaborate on projects that align with our sustainability goals.

Test and refine your sustainability initiatives within a leading healthcare environment.

Introduce new technologies, processes, or products that can help us achieve our objectives.