Introduction

In the United States, the health sector is responsible for nearly 10% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions1. As climate change impacts exacerbate human health issues that lead to increased healthcare demands and challenges, health sector organizations are asked to continue providing quality patient care while reducing their own climate-related footprints.

Among the sustainability imperatives considered by health sector organizations, the management of indirect Scope 3 emissions from their extensive value chains presents both a significant hurdle and an opportunity. Value chain emissions from the procurement of pharmaceuticals to the disposal of medical waste represent a substantial portion of the sector's carbon footprint—roughly 82% of U.S. health sector organization emissions on average2. While this proportion will vary based on the type of health organization, the key takeaway is that Scope 3 emissions represent the largest portion of total emissions in healthcare. As health sector organizations increasingly adopt science-based GHG reduction goals and net-zero targets, Scope 3 emissions reporting and management are essential to delivering on those targets.

Figure 1: Health Sector GHG Emissions by Scope

This paper discusses the complexities of Scope 3 emissions within the healthcare landscape, offering insights into the drivers necessitating robust emissions reporting and the challenges inherent in managing these emissions. It presents a roadmap of best practices for emissions accounting, alongside strategic approaches for mitigation, underscored by the critical role of innovation and collaboration in forging a sustainable future. By exploring these dimensions, the paper aims to equip health sector organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate their Scope 3 management journey effectively, contributing to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and public health.