In their mission to create a healthier world, healthcare institutions have been taking care of people. However, to work towards long-term and sustainable human health and vitality, healthcare now needs to also focus on taking care of the planet.

This has made sustainability a critical goal for healthcare facilities worldwide.

On the one hand, strict regulations and financial pressures are driving healthcare facilities to transition to greener solutions. Healthcare brands strive to benefit from sustainable practices, which yield merits such as increased operational efficiency, reduced operational costs, enhanced patient care, and a lower carbon footprint.

Furthermore, healthcare is an industry like any other, and businesses are recognizing the importance of integrating sustainable practices to elevate their brand image, increase employee satisfaction, and earn the trust of patients and the community.

Finally, on a global scale, sustainable healthcare systems improve public health by delivering essential, adequate, and timely health services to everyone. Moreover, it ensures less pollution, waste, and resource exhaustion by healthcare organizations.

All these are reasons why sustainability is a beneficial path for healthcare brands.

So, in this article, we will discuss some key insights from SFI Health’s 2023 Sustainability report. These insights outline the paths for healthcare brands to take to sustainability.

Who is SFI Health & What is Their Sustainability Report

SFI Health is a global leader in research, innovation, and education in natural healthcare. 

Leveraging the best of numerous worldwide mergers, the company today has offices in Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe, with the main SFI USA headquarters in Reno, Nevada.

They have over 20 years of experience in designing, developing, and delivering microbiome, cognitive, and well-being natural healthcare products.

The brand’s Sustainability Report represents the company’s voluntary action of reporting its operational and strategic actions towards environmental protection, social engagement, and economic responsibility.

As noted by SFI Health, the company is “determined to generate a positive impact on society and to protect the environment.” In addition, SFI Health affirms that they “accept responsibility to continuously reduce the operational impacts on the environment, strengthen ethical behavior along the value chain, and maintain their commitment to societal programs that support better health.”

As a dedicated leader in operational sustainability, SFI Health’s report serves as a great guide for other healthcare brands to look up to, inspire their own business practices, and pave the way for a greener operational future.

Sustainability in Healthcare: SFI Health’s Insights & Trends

From reducing CO2 emissions to implementing eco-friendly business operations, here are some key strategies healthcare organizations can leverage to address sustainability issues.

#1 Decarbonization

SFI Health’s primary sustainability strategy is decarbonization. The healthcare company employs various methods to reduce carbon emissions across its global facilities.

For example, it aims to replace natural gas with renewable electricity wherever feasible, as well as collaborate with energy providers to assess options for obtaining 100% renewable electricity.

A significant portion of SFI Health’s carbon footprint is attributed to product packaging materials and employee commuting. The company intends to introduce a specific roadmap for utilizing recycled or more efficient packaging materials and initiate programs to encourage reduced or more efficient employee commuting.

In addition to the strategies outlined in SFI Health’s report, other decarbonization techniques include enhancing facility energy efficiency through energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and the incorporation of smart building technologies for optimal energy usage.

Furthermore, sustainable transportation practices related to patient transport, staff commuting, and supply chain logistics may involve investment in electric or hybrid fleets, promotion of public and alternative transportation options for employees, and implementation of telemedicine services to minimize the need for medical personnel and patient travel.

Finally, in addition to facility operations and infrastructure, healthcare providers are addressing carbon emissions by using eco-friendly anesthetic gasses and medical inhalers.

#2 Water Conservation

Water conservation can reduce water utility and sewer costs, as well as decrease energy costs incurred by water heating and cooling systems.

Some of the water conservation initiatives healthcare facilities can adopt include regular checkups and maintenance of pipes, installation of energy-efficient HVAC and refrigeration systems, and implementation of water conservation projects, like collecting rain for non-drinking purposes.

#3 Waste Reduction

Healthcare organizations are adopting waste reduction strategies such as recycling, composting, and single-use reprocessed devices. More so, brands pursue the implementation of environmentally friendly products and materials, such as single-use plastics and non-toxic disinfectants.

At SFI Health, waste management strategies have resulted in less waste going to landfill and incineration, with 80% of waste being recycled. Composting is a novel but promising way of dealing with waste for SFI Health.

#4 Alternative Energy Sources

In 2023, SFI Health noted a reduction in total energy usage compared to 2021. Moreover, their facilities decreased the use of natural gas and increased the use of renewable energy sources.

Generally, healthcare facilities can integrate energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources in their strategies when building facilities and selecting equipment and energy sourcing.

Key strategies healthcare businesses can implement to optimize their energy consumption include improving building insulation and ventilation, installing energy-efficient equipment, and investing in solar energy.

#5 Greener Procurement

Environmentally and socially responsible supply chains and procurement strategies can greatly help in minimizing waste produced by healthcare facilities, particularly chemical ones.

At SFI Health, global supply chain operations are based on the sourcing of natural ingredients and raw materials. Plus, as their report suggests, both suppliers and sourced materials undergo thorough testing to ensure adherence to the brand’s quality standards.

Takeaways

The healthcare industry is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Adopting sustainable practices, such as building facilities using greener materials and utilizing eco-friendly equipment, minimizing employee and patient travel, and setting up greener procurement operations, offers ample benefits to healthcare brands.

These benefits include lower spending, allowing for greater budget allocation into better equipment, innovative technologies, and satisfied practitioners. Aligning brand values to those of the local communities and patients is also a benefit.

Lastly, a sustainable healthcare system aids overall human well-being by reducing pollution, waste, and resource exhaustion. A healthier environment leads to healthier people, so it’s a way for the healthcare industry to double its help for the health of communities.