Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

• 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 to promote greener healthcare.
• 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 Sustainable Innovation: Encourage continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable healthcare practices.

Environmental Determinants of Health

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 of how environmental conditions contribute to disease prevalence and patient outcomes, we aim to inform public health strategies and health care practices that mitigate environmental risks and promote healthier living environments.

Social Determinants of Health

Our team works to identify and address the root causes of health disparities by understanding how social determinants influence health. One of our chief aims is to develop and implement interventions that promote health equity and improve access to care for vulnerable populations.

Sustainability in Health Care Delivery

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

As part of this work, we assess the effectiveness of sustainable health care interventions, such as energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction programs and sustainable procurement practices. Our team seeks to demonstrate the health, environmental and economic benefits of sustainable health care delivery and to develop best practices that can be adopted across the sector.

Sustainability in Medical School Education

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 health care leaders are well-versed in sustainable health care practices.

This program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the environmental and social impacts of health care, 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 health care delivery.

By focusing on research and education, Lahey aims to lead the way in understanding and addressing the complex factors that influence health and sustainability. Our research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also directly informs our practices and policies, ensuring that our sustainability efforts are grounded in evidence and have a meaningful impact on the health of our patients and the broader community.

At Lahey, our sustainability efforts are championed by a Sustainability Team that works collaboratively across the entire organization.

Our sustainability initiatives are guided by and report directly into Lahey's Senior Leadership Team. This ensures that sustainability is a core priority aligned with our overall mission and values. From the leadership at the highest levels to the frontline staff, everyone is engaged in our commitment to sustainability.

We also actively engage with community stakeholders to ensure that our efforts reflect diverse perspectives and address the needs of those we serve.

Medical Director of Sustainability: Sarju Ganatra, MD

Project Manager: Hillary Patel Teed, MBA, MSc

We recognize that the path to a more sustainable future requires creativity, collaboration and innovation. We invite innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and sustainability experts to join us in this mission.

How You Can Contribute

There are many ways to contribute to our sustainability efforts at Lahey, including:

• Join Our Network: Become part of a community of like-minded individuals and organizations committed to driving positive change in health care.
• Partner with Us: Collaborate on projects that align with our sustainability goals.
• Pilot Your Ideas: Test and refine your sustainability initiatives within a leading health care environment.
• Share Your Innovations: Introduce new technologies, processes or products that can help us achieve our objectives.

We welcome and encourage sustainability suggestions from our employees, patients and the broader community. Your ideas and insights can help us improve and expand our efforts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.

Whether it is an innovative initiative, a practical solution or a partnership opportunity, we want to hear from you.