Decarbonization in Healthcare Facilities Faces Challenges

Addressing climate change has never been more urgent as the healthcare sector increasingly recognizes its role in embracing carbon reduction, contributing to a sustainable future. As discussed in a recent episode of the Becker’s Healthcare podcast featuring Dr. Lindsey Butler, vice president of sustainability solutions at Cref, a real estate advisory firm, and Maggie McCarey, vice president of policy at Aeroseal, a climate technology firm, the journey toward decarbonization in healthcare facilities is fraught with challenges. Understanding these obstacles is crucial for healthcare organizations to implement effective sustainability initiatives and decrease their carbon footprint.

To listen to the entire podcast on climate technology in healthcare, click here.

Net Zero Goals for the Healthcare Industry

One of the primary challenges facing healthcare organizations in their decarbonization efforts is the complexity of their operational environments. Healthcare facilities are typically large, multifaceted entities that require significant energy inputs to maintain critical services. They operate 24/7, which means that energy use is a constant concern. This operational model creates a unique challenge: reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring patient care is not compromised. The need for reliable renewable energy sources to power life-saving equipment and maintain comfortable environments for patients contributes to a building’s carbon emissions and softens conflicts with sustainability goals.

“As many of your listeners probably know, the US healthcare system and its supply chain represent about 9% of our domestic emissions, and I think part of the reason this issue resonates so much with clinicians is that it contradicts a healthcare organization’s central mission, right?” Butler stated. “If you’re going to be truly a health-promoting organization and really be a positive force for the health of your local community, then how can you not want to do something about your environmental pollution and your carbon pollution?”

McCarey agreed and explained, “35% or more of our greenhouse gas emissions are coming from the building sector, and 50% of the emissions within buildings are coming from heating and cooling. So, addressing the heating and cooling needs is important for net zero goals for hospitals and other facilities.”

Aligning Climate Action with Regulatory Compliance

Additionally, the regulatory landscape surrounding healthcare is intricate and continually evolving. As Dr. Butler pointed out, healthcare organizations must navigate myriad regulations that govern their operations. These regulations can impact everything from building codes to waste management practices. The hurdle lies in aligning sustainability initiatives with regulatory compliance, often requiring substantial investment in new technologies or infrastructure. Organizations may find themselves in a position where they must balance the costs of implementing emissions reduction strategies against the potential financial penalties of non-compliance.

Financial constraints also pose a considerable barrier to decarbonization efforts in healthcare. McCarey highlighted this point by saying the initial costs associated with procuring new climate technologies can be prohibitive, particularly for smaller healthcare providers. While long-term costs saved are often associated with energy efficiency measures, the upfront investment can deter organizations from pursuing these initiatives. Furthermore, the availability of funding and incentives for sustainability projects varies tremendously by region, creating disparities in how effectively different organizations can implement decarbonization strategies.

“There are many local and state governments now offering financing options, and things like commercial property assessed clean energy are available,” McCarey explained. “On the federal side, there’s a 179D tax credit that can be helpful to offset costs for energy efficiency. So, I think engaging with your local utility to look at the different options and help them pull together all the different financing options is a great place to start for hospitals.”

Educating Healthcare Providers Is Imperative

Another difficulty is the need for workforce engagement and training. Clinicians and healthcare staff are increasingly interested in participating in sustainability initiatives as they recognize the connection between a healthy environment and public health. However, for these measures to be successful, staff must be adequately trained and engaged. This goal requires a cultural shift within organizations, where sustainability becomes a core value rather than an ancillary concern. Developing this culture takes time and resources, which can be imposing to allocate amid the many other demands healthcare providers face.

“If you are a healthcare professional listening to this podcast and you think this sounds like an interesting opportunity to bring climate tech to your facility, but you’re kind of questioning how you would start this conversation with leadership or with your peers, I always say you have to frame these things as significant opportunities and not sort of sustainability sacrifices that your organization is making,” added McCarey. “We all know about those razor-thin margins in our healthcare system.”

Policymakers Must Weigh New Technology with Healthcare Services

Lastly, the healthcare sector is often slower to adopt innovative technologies than other industries. The complexity of healthcare operations means new solutions must be thoroughly vetted for safety and efficacy before implementation. This cautious approach, while necessary for patient safety, can slow the pace of decarbonization. As climate technology evolves, healthcare organizations must create a roadmap to integrate carbon reduction innovations into their operations without compromising care quality.

The conversation underscores that while the path to decarbonization in healthcare is rife with hurdles, it is not insurmountable. By addressing financial constraints, navigating regulatory complexities, engaging the workforce, and embracing innovative technologies, healthcare providers can make notable strides toward a more sustainable future. The commitment to decarbonization is not merely an environmental responsibility; it is essential for the long-term health of communities and the planet.