Executive Summary
The health sector has opportunities to mitigate its environmental footprint as part of its foundational mission to promote health and wellbeing. To accomplish this, the health sector must navigate the complexities of Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions management. Scope 3 GHG emissions result from value chain activities that are not directly owned or controlled by a health sector organization, but are still crucial to its operation, and constitute a significant portion of the health sector's carbon footprint. Sources of such emissions include energy consumption, transport, and product manufacture, use, and disposal.
Health sector organizations have opportunities to track and lower their Scope 3 GHG emissions. This white paper looks at Scope 3 emissions within the health sector and offers suggestions for effective measurement, management and mitigation. Through insights into best practices, strategic approaches, and the role of innovation and collaboration, this paper provides information that can help health sector organizations measure, monitor, and refine their Scope 3 GHG emissions inventories, and transition to a more sustainable supply chain. Drawing from resources like Practice Greenhealth and incorporating real-world examples from Jacobs’ work with health market clients, the paper provides guidance for overcoming challenges in Scope 3 reporting and management in support of broader sustainability goals.
Common greenhouse gas emission sources in health care
