A Roadmap to Addressing Scope 3 Emissions for Healthcare Organizations

In support of the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge and sector-wide action on emissions reduction, the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity is releasing a new guidance document, A Roadmap to Addressing Scope 3 Emissions for Healthcare Organizations. This guide is designed to assist healthcare organizations in navigating the complexities of reducing Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect emissions related to supply chains and account for approximately 80% of the sector's total emissions.

Recognizing the challenges associated with estimating and reporting these emissions, this roadmap offers practical steps and strategies to effectively manage and reduce Scope 3 emissions. This effort supports pledge signers’ commitments to conduct Scope 3 inventories in addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The guide underscores the importance of strategic inventory assessments, sustainable procurement practices, and collaborative efforts within the healthcare industry to enhance climate resilience.

We invite all healthcare organizations committed to this cause to utilize this roadmap not only to comply with the White House HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge but also to lead in the movement towards a sustainable and equitable future.