Hospitals are at the center of the health care system. Not only do they provide essential health services, but they play a critical role in supporting the well being of the community. So, as the link between human health and planetary health is inextricably clear, hospitals have a responsibility to take direct action to reduce its environmental impact.
The Canadian health care system contributes to 4.6% of Canada’s GHG emissions, with hospitals and other medical facilities being some of the largest contributors (1). Since Canada’s health care per capita spending per person is in the top quartile internationally, at CA$6,448, the efficient operation and maintenance of hospitals is a key priority for Canada (2). There are several ways health care workers can make an impact, including improvements to facility infrastructure, switching to plant rich menus, procuring sustainable items, re-thinking transportation, reducing polypharmacy, and the implementation of efficient, environmentally-friendly best practices which are critical to reducing the environmental and financial costs of the health
sector.
Projects & Resources
Person-Centered Integrated Kidney Care Narrative Review: A Model for Reduction of Health Care Carbon Emissions
March 6, 2026
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a resource-intensive and complex challenge to sustainable health care. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe how person-centered integrated care can support sustainable health care for this population, the strategies currently in place, and the gaps to consider.
Decarbonization in Action: Implementing Climate Solutions in Canadian Hospitals
July 28, 2025
The Decarbonization in Action project helps hospitals reduce greenhouse gas emissions across operations while maintaining quality care. A 2025 test program with 13 hospital sites supported 26 initiatives and cut over 1,550 tonnes of emissions. The program is expanding across Ontario in 2026.
Low-Carbon Heat-Health Solutions in Care Settings
March 28, 2025
This project helps healthcare facilities respond to extreme indoor heat and protect vulnerable people. It studies how heat affects patients, residents, and staff in hospitals, long-term care homes, and clinics across Canada. The findings will help improve how healthcare settings adapt to rising heat risks.
Impacts de la chaleur dans les espaces intérieurs sur la santé
March 28, 2025
Aperçu du projet Ce projet, mené par la Coalition canadienne pour un système de santé écologique, est une initiative nationale pluriannuelle visant à améliorer la résilience du système de santé face à la chaleur extrême intérieure et à partager les résultats du projet avec les populations vulnérables. Cette étude vise à comprendre l’impact des températures
Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero
October 24, 2024
This project supports Canada’s health care buildings in moving toward net-zero by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It provides training, resources, and networking to help health care staff and leaders take climate action.
2022 Green Hospital Scorecard Awards
December 22, 2023
The 2022 Green Hospital Scorecard Awards were announced Wednesday December 13th, at virtual award presentations held by the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care. These award were made possible with the support of our partner Health Canada and our award sponsors Trane, Shift Energy, Roche, Ecotex, GE Healthcare and Better Battery. You can now watch a recording of the awards HERE
Green Hospital Scorecard
February 13, 2023
The Green Hospital Scorecard is a tool used in Canada to measure how hospitals perform on environmental sustainability. It tracks areas like energy, water, waste, and pollution and compares hospitals’ progress over time.
Identifying Opportunities for Greenhouse Gas Reductions and Cost Savings in Hospitals
October 4, 2022
This review discusses the development of a knowledge translation tool that aims to compare a range of interventions that can be applied in hospital settings to reduce the local GHG emissions and associated financial costs. Read Article Here
LTC Project Media Release
September 24, 2021
<< Return to Project Homepage Green Scorecard program expands to long-term care and retirement homes Ontario, November 29, 2021 -The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (the Coalition) is launching a new environmental performance scorecard for the long-term care (LTC) and retirement home (RH) sectors. Building on the Coalition’s successful Green Hospital Scorecard, the