Our Commitment To Environmental Health
More than ever before, climate change, exposure to industrial chemicals, air pollution, water and soil contamination and the prevalence of microplastics in our surroundings demonstrate the intrinsic link between environmental and human health. In the United States, 80% of health outcomes are determined by factors other than healthcare, with socio-economic factors and health behaviors comprising 70% and the physical environment (indoor and outdoor) accounting for 10%.1 The effects of environmental health are even more significant globally, with 25% of health outcomes attributed to the physical environment.2 Founded in 2007, Cleveland Clinic created its sustainability team to make a positive impact on human health through resource conservation, green procurement, sustainable design and engaging as many people as possible in sustainable behaviors.
1University of Wisconsin Public Health Institute, “Country Health Rankings Model,” 2019, accessed 16 July 2020, countyhealthrankings.org/explore-health-rankings/measures-data-sources/county-health-rankings-model.
2World Health Organization, “Priority Environment and Health Risks,” accessed 16 July 2020, who.int/heli/risks/en/.
Environmental Health Reporting
Energy Conservation
Through our energy reduction initiatives, we have improved the efficiency of our facilities by more than 20% over the last decade.
Climate Resilience
We promote resiliency by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, advocating for climate-smart healthcare and increasing green space on our properties and in our communities.
Waste Reduction
We minimize the waste we generate through reducing, recycling and composting, and manage our waste streams responsibly to keep our air, water and environment clean.
Healthy Buildings
Through innovative design standards and principles, we ensure our facilities promote the health of both building occupants and the environment.
Sustainable Procurement
Cleveland Clinic is driving innovation and demand for products that support our commitments to human health, environmental health and the delivery of affordable, high quality care.
Innovative Collaboration
Our caregivers collaborate with one another and entities from local to international levels to advance sustainable practices in the healthcare industry, our operations and surrounding communities.
Water Stewardship
Clean water is essential for human life and wellbeing. Our water stewardship initiatives include conservation, preserving water quality and managing stormwater and wastewater.
Office for a Healthy Environment
Cleveland Clinic is committed to healthy environments for healthy communities. Learn more about our enterprise wide sustainability office.
Learn More