Joint Commission International unveils Healthcare Sustainability Certification
In a significant move towards addressing the healthcare sector’s environmental impact, Joint Commission International (JCI) has announced the launch of its Healthcare Sustainability Certification (HSC) programme. Developed in collaboration with the International Hospital Federation’s Geneva Sustainability Centre (GSC), this new certification is set to become available from 1 January 2025 for healthcare organisations outside the United States and its territories.
The global healthcare sector’s environmental footprint
The healthcare industry’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. According to a 2022 report from the Lancet Countdown, the sector is responsible for approximately 5.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This substantial environmental impact, coupled with the growing health challenges posed by climate change, has prompted a push for more sustainable practices within healthcare settings worldwide.
The HSC programme represents a pioneering effort to provide a framework for healthcare organisations to assess, improve, and gain recognition for their sustainability initiatives. Notably, this certification will be accessible to all eligible institutions, regardless of their JCI accreditation status, marking a departure from previous JCI offerings.
A comprehensive approach to sustainability
At the core of the HSC programme is the GSC’s Sustainability Accelerator Tool (SAT), a digital platform designed to help healthcare organisations evaluate their performance across key sustainability indicators. The SAT facilitates benchmarking against comparable institutions globally and offers guidance on enhancing sustainability strategies and processes.
The certification process assesses sustainability maturity across three primary domains:
- Environmental impact
- Health, equity, and wellbeing
- Leadership and governance
These domains encompass a wide range of factors, from carbon emissions and resource management to employee engagement and climate resiliency. By addressing these areas, the HSC programme aims to drive comprehensive improvements in healthcare sustainability.
Aligning with global health priorities
Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of The Joint Commission and Joint Commission International, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “Together, Joint Commission International and the International Hospital Federation are supporting and celebrating healthcare organisations around the world that are leading the way in sustainable healthcare. These organisations inspire others to follow in their footsteps so that healthcare can become more resilient, able to serve patients and communities during extreme weather events and provide meaningful and lasting benefits for the health of the planet.”
The HSC programme builds upon the foundation laid by JCI’s 8th edition Accreditation Standards for Hospitals and Academic Medical Centers, which introduced a Global Health Impact chapter. The new certification expands on these standards, incorporating more advanced metrics and requirements to drive meaningful change in healthcare sustainability practices.
Benefits beyond environmental impact
While the primary focus of the HSC programme is on reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare organisations, the potential benefits extend far beyond ecological considerations. Sustainable practices can lead to improved health outcomes for patients, staff, and communities. Additionally, healthcare organisations that achieve certification may realise operational efficiencies resulting in cost reductions.
Ronald Lavater, CEO of the International Hospital Federation, underscored the urgency of addressing sustainability in healthcare: “There is no more doubt that the climate crisis is a health crisis. The healthcare sector has many opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future, while ensuring safe quality care.”
As the HSC programme prepares for its January 2025 launch, eligible healthcare organisations can now begin the application process. The certification offers a unique opportunity for institutions to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and position themselves as leaders in sustainable healthcare delivery.
