Joint Commission to launch sustainability certification program in 2024 for hospitals

By Brian Ward

The Joint Commission announced that starting January 1, 2024, the Sustainable Healthcare Certification program will be available to hospitals. The certification is voluntary, and aimed at helping healthcare organizations decarbonize, improve sustainability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Facilities can start working toward certification immediately and apply on January 1, 2024, or fill out a pre-application form before the formal launch date.

“We want to work with the momentum of healthcare organizations leading the way in sustainability excellence—inspiring and guiding others that want to prioritize greener practices,” Jonathan Perlin, MD, president and CEO of The Joint Commission, said in a press release. “Now is the time for The Joint Commission to take its place among other leading healthcare organizations to help accelerate environmental sustainability.”

The healthcare industry accounts for an estimated 8.5% of national carbon emission.

Researchers say there's now a 66% chance we will pass the 1.5°C global warming threshold between now and 2027. Climate change has caused worsening floods, fires, storms, air quality, and droughts, all of which has immediate and long-term impacts on public health.

The Joint Commission also has an online Sustainable Healthcare Resource Center offering key strategies, tools, and content to help organizations get started or build on existing sustainability work.

Basic and Platinum subscribers should also check out today’s PSMJ story, Climate change hurts healthcare; healthcare hurts climate change, for a primer on how hospitals, clinics, and laboratories can help mitigate climate change.