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Hartford HealthCare makes Earth-friendly pledge of carbon neutrality by 2050HARTFORD, Conn., April 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring for communities extends beyond life-changing work in operating rooms and physician offices. Hartford HealthCare leadership today highlighted its corporate responsibility to environmental, social and economic sustainability in announcing its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint 50% by 2030, and to realize carbon neutrality by 2050. "Every day, we use our talents to care for people who rely on us. Because we are an essential part of the fabric for our state and our communities, we also invest in the wellbeing of our cities and towns. Now, just before Earth Day, Hartford HealthCare is proud to pledge its commitment to the sustainability of our larger home, the planet," says President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey A. Flaks. This pledge solidifies work that earned the system federal recognition from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in December 2023 for "public commitments to decarbonizing its operations and improving resilience in the face of climate change." In doing so, Hartford HealthCare joins just 15% of hospitals in the country that responded to HHS's Health Sector Climate Pledge, notes Thomas Vaccarelli, Hartford HealthCare's vice president of facilities. All of Hartford HealthCare's seven hospitals, as well its post-acute care facilities and assisted living homes, are participating in the environmental commitment. The pledge broadly addresses reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Examples of projects Hartford HealthCare teams will tackle include:
Carbon neutrality describes the balance between the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from the atmosphere. This can reduce the mpact of climate change and global warming, which are caused by a build-up of greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. "The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) applauds Hartford HealthCare for the initiative it is taking to reduce its carbon footprint 50% by 2030 and realize carbon neutrality by 2050," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "We all have an important role to play in fighting the climate crisis, and it is encouraging to see increasing numbers of private and public sector entities being mindful of their carbon footprint, and setting intentions to reduce their emissions. It is especially important when our healthcare sector partners do so, as today's announcement from Hartford HealthCare is an important recognition of the nexus between environmental health and public health." The Hartford HealthCare Energy Management Program, Vaccarelli says, will establish best-in-class programs driving utilities for maximum efficiency. This will reduce operational costs, improve the environment and assure continuity of critical community public safety services. "Being good stewards of the environment is nothing new to Hartford HealthCare," Flaks says, noting the health system has already shifted to reusable devices and linens over disposable, operates a large and productive rooftop garden, and has begun a program to track and reduce food waste, among other efforts. "The Health Sector Climate Pledge formalizes our commitment to invest in a better future for our people and our planet." About Hartford HealthCare View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hartford-healthcare-makes-earth-friendly-pledge-of-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-302122301.html SOURCE Hartford HealthCare |