Top 10: World’s Most Sustainable Hospitals

05 Vancouver Coastal Health

Country: Canada
Sustainability headline: Aims for complete carbon neutrality by 2030 through energy retrofits, greener transportation, and sustainable procurement practices.
VCH is a regional healthcare provider based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Formed in 2001, it operates several hospitals and facilities, and employs 13,500 staff. Its areas of focus include mental health, home care, and community-based services. 

VCH runs energy efficiency programs, waste reduction initiatives and sustainable transportation measures. It is known for its community-based healthcare delivery.

04 Western Health

Country: Australia
Sustainability headline: Implements holistic environmental management programs across energy, water, waste, procurement, and building design.
Western Health is a public healthcare service in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Established in the late 1990s, it comprises several hospitals and community health centres, and employs over 6,000 staff. Its specialties include acute care, rehabilitation, and aged care services. Western Health has implemented energy efficiency measures, waste management programs and water conservation initiatives. It is noted for its accessible, community-based healthcare to the region’s diverse population and its commitment to medical research and education.

03 Kaiser Permanente

Country: USA
Sustainability headline: Has committed to being carbon neutral by 2020 across its 39 hospitals and hundreds of other facilities through energy efficiency, renewable power, and sustainable food programs.

Kaiser Permanente is an integrated managed care consortium based in Oakland, California.

Founded in 1945, it is comprised of 39 hospitals and 700 medical offices across eight states, it serves 12 million members, and its specialties cover cancer care, organ transplantation and women’s health services. Kaiser Permanente has implemented initiatives such as renewable energy usage, waste reduction and green building practices to meet its sustainability goals. 

It is known for its emphasis on preventive medicine, innovative care delivery models and a commitment to affordable, high-quality patient care through an integrated system.

02 Gundersen Health System

Country: USA
Sustainability headline: Became energy independent in 2014 through renewable energy sources like wind, waste management, and conservation efforts.
Gundersen Health System is a regional healthcare provider founded in 1959, and based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With over 8,000 employees, it operates several hospitals and clinics, which offer a wide range of medical services, including cancer treatment, cardiology, and paediatric care. It is a leader in energy independence, innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, and in providing high-quality, community-based care.

Gundersen has implemented sustainability initiatives including renewable energy usage, waste reduction programs, and sustainable food sourcing to achieve its environmental sustainability goals.