Sustainability in healthcare is no longer a future goal. It’s a must for today. Hospitals around the world are facing growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their climate resilience while maintaining high-quality care. But for many leaders, the big question is: Where do we start? The IHF’s Geneva Sustainability Centre provides the guidance, resources, and tools to help hospitals navigate this transition successfully. 

How do I bring my leadership team on board for sustainable healthcare? 

Sometimes, initial sustainability efforts are met with hesitation. The Board and executives may see sustainability as an additional and costly burden. In fact, as a strategic priority, sustainability fits perfectly with the role of a hospital to protect and enhance the health of its community. And it can also deliver cost savings. 

Through our executive learning programme and the Carbon Emissions Learning Lab (CELL), leadership teams can learn how sustainable practices could reduce costs, enhance operational resilience, and improve patient outcomes.  

“Outstanding. I want my entire leadership team to go through this experience and start this journey.” CEO, masterclass participant 

With this mindset shift, hospital executives can redefine sustainability as a core business priority. Clear objectives are set, such as reducing energy consumption by 20% and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics. The turning point comes when they realize that sustainability is not just an environmental issue, but also a financial and operational opportunity. 

Now that the Board is on board, how do I engage the workforce for sustainable healthcare? 

Once the Board is aligned, there’s a new challenge: getting frontline staff on board. Many healthcare workers want to help but aren’t sure where the opportunities are to make a contribution. Workshops designed by the Geneva Sustainability Centre can give them the knowledge and confidence to make everyday improvements: from managing medical waste to reducing unnecessary energy use. 

Within months, workforce engagement can increase, and sustainable practices become embedded in everyday hospital operations. The shift isn’t just about policies. It becomes part of the hospital’s culture. 

How do I build a long-term plan? 

Quick wins are important, but lasting impact comes from strategy. That’s where our Sustainability Accelerator Tool (SAT) comes in. It provides instant insights, helping you identify what to consider when addressing sustainability across all areas of the hospital.  

“For us, the significance of the SAT cannot be overstated. It has not only enabled us to confirm our level of maturity in battling climate change but also to ensure the efficacy of our implemented strategies. It facilitates the identification of forthcoming measures, specifically aimed at integrating low-carbon care through operational services and clinical practice.” Fundació Sanitària Mollet 

SAT is not just a digital tool, it’s a strategic partner in your sustainability journey. 

My hospital accreditation is due, and I notice they have included sustainability standards! How did this happen, and what do I need to do? 

Sustainability is becoming a global standard in hospital accreditation. For example, we worked with Joint Commission International (JCI) and their 8th Edition Accreditation Standards for Hospitals (2024) now includes a Global Health Impact Chapter with standards for environmental sustainability. National accreditation bodies worldwide are licensing these standards, so that reducing the carbon footprint is addressed alongside quality and safety in their local hospital accreditation programmes. Requirements now include things like carbon reduction planning, sustainable procurement, and energy efficiency improvements. 

With support from the Geneva Sustainability Centre team and the SAT, you can assess your current performance, identify gaps, and develop an action plan to meet these standards. You will receive tailored recommendations, helping the hospital align its sustainability efforts with accreditation requirements. What initially seemed like an overwhelming challenge became an opportunity to enhance compliance, while also improving patient care and resilience. 

Take action today 

Sustainable healthcare is within reach, and the Geneva Sustainability Centre is here to help. Whether you’re just starting or looking to accelerate your progress, we provide the expertise and resources to accompany you on your hospital’s journey. 

Tell us about your organization and your sustainability goals and we can help you achieve them. Contact the team to discuss how we can support you in leading the change toward sustainable, high-quality healthcare.