Gillette Children’s Champions Environmental Sustainability

Gillette Children’s understands the links between our environment, communities, and patient health. We continue to seek collaborative solutions to combat climate change and champion environmental sustainability. Gillette’s commitment to environmental sustainability is deeply rooted in our work, with a focus on improving the conservation of energy and water, reducing waste, promoting environmentally preferable purchasing, and partnering with stakeholders to improve regional health and environmental equity.

Climate change poses unique challenges for people who have disabilities and complex medical conditions, making them disproportionately affected by its impacts:

• During extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, those who have limited mobility may experience challenges accessing resources or evacuating because infrastructure and transportation systems may not be properly equipped to accommodate their needs.
• Climate-related disasters may cause disruptions to electricity, putting those who rely on specific medical equipment or assistive devices at risk.
• Rising temperatures and worsening air quality may pose significant health threats to those who have respiratory disorders or heat sensitivity.
• Individuals who have disabilities often face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and housing instability –factors that may intensify the impact of climate-related disasters.

To help address the impact of climate change on the lives of our patients, Gillette is taking bold steps to address it.

Gillette’s vision of a world in which every child is able to create their own story is linked with our ability to help build more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities for all. We are proud to partner with Practice Greenhealth, a leading sustainable healthcare organization, to support our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental footprint.

Currently, Hospitals are some of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases and account for 8.5% of total U.S. emissions. In 2022, Gillette Children’s signed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) pledge to lower greenhouse gas emissions and build a more climate-resilient infrastructure. The pledge calls for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Through our Environmental Sustainability Committee, Gillette has already successfully implemented change in areas across our hospitals and clinics, including switches to recyclable and compostable products, sourcing products that help us meet our healthy interiors goal, and improving waste disposal methods.

As we engage our teams at Gillette to work towards a healthier future, we call on our communities to join us. The choices we make today impact the lives of the next generation. Learn more about what you can do to combat climate change.