On December 10,2025 , the first all-electric hospital in America opened its doors. UCI Health-Irvine, a 144-bed facility in California was designed from the ground up to operate entirely on electricity, with no natural gas infrastructure. All power is supplied through on-site solar generation and other sustainable sources, supported by water recycling and a range of energy-efficient building systems. The goal: to reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint dramatically without compromising clinical performance.
Other major health care systems (e.g., Providence, Atrium Health, Northwell Health, Ascension) have set net-zero goals for 2040–2050 as part of broader corporate climate strategies. Others, such as Penn Medicine, have signed ambitious national pledges promising to significantly cut and, eventually, eliminate its carbon emissions.
THERE ARE MANY ACTIONS FOR HOSPITALS TO TAKE
Hospitals can reduce climate change risks by decreasing energy and waste, improving supply chains, and building resilience. This includes switching to clean energy and LED lighting, improving energy efficiency and insulation, and implementing waste reduction strategies like recycling and water conservation. Additionally, hospitals can decarbonize clinical practices, purchase sustainable products, and develop plans to adapt their facilities to climate impacts like extreme weather.
OPERATIONAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES
Reduce energy consumption: Upgrade to energy-efficient systems like LED lighting, improve building insulation, and ensure equipment like computers and monitoring devices are turned off when not in use.
Switch to clean energy: Install solar panels, heat pumps, energy storage batteries, and participate in power purchase agreements for renewable electricity.
Minimize waste: Implement comprehensive recycling programs, purchase products with recycled content, and use water conservation methods to reduce water and energy bills.
Decarbonize transportation: Use electric ambulances and minimize vehicle idling to reduce fuel consumption.
CLINICAL AND SUPPLY CHAIN ADJUSTMENTS
Implement greener clinical practices: Transition to renewable energy sources, implement comprehensive recycling and waste reduction programs, use eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and adopt sustainable procurement policies. Other important measures include minimizing water use, promoting sustainable transportation, and leveraging digital tools to reduce paper consumption.
Strengthen supply chains: Focus on sustainable production and procurement for goods and services, as well as reducing emissions from the energy grid.
RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Adapt facilities: Upgrade infrastructure to be resilient to climate impacts such as extreme heat, flooding and other natural disasters.
Educate patients: Inform patients about the health impacts of climate change and how to protect themselves from environmental hazards like smoke and heat.
Promote sustainable models of care: Encourage virtual care and move services closer to patients' homes to reduce travel emissions.
LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
Set goals: Measure and report progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to drive accountability.
Collaborate: Partner with other organizations to share resources, expertise, and achieve economies of scale for sustainable initiatives.
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