Global warming is creating new public health risks, including weather extremes that affect food and water supplies, extreme heat and cold that harm mental and physical health, increased air pollution, and other challenges.
At CHA we bring Care to the People in many ways including high quality local healthcare services, community partnerships, outreach programs, academic research ... and increasingly through our commitment to environmental health and stewardship.
The impact of a changing climate will be greatest on some of our most vulnerable populations, including older adults, children and those with chronic conditions such as heart disease and asthma – our grandparents, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. As a community health system we recognize that caring for people also means caring for the environment we all share.
Here are just a few examples of our commitment to protecting the environment and becoming more sustainable:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Since 2015, CHA has invested in numerous ways to save energy in our facilities including automated LED lighting and other lighting replacements, steam trap and boiler replacements, chiller optimization and water conservation measures. Our commitment to reducing emissions extends beyond our buildings, including adding the first hybrid vehicle to our fleet in 2024. New bike racks have been installed and discounted employee public transit passes are available to encourage more eco-friendly commutes. Environmentally sustainable investment options are available for employee retirement accounts.
Reducing Waste
A composting program was implemented across the 3 hospital campuses in late 2023. A cardboard recycling program is now in place across the organization. Opportunities to reduce additional paper waste are being explored, following a pilot to eliminate automatic printing at selected CHA clinics.
Passionate Employee Advocates
In 2023, a handful of CHA employees got together to discuss how they could expand CHA's culture of caring to include caring for the climate. That group became the Climate Health Action Partnership (CHAP) and now has over 150 members! The group meets regularly to explore innovative ideas and opportunities, develop projects that support CHA's sustainability goals, and hosts special events such as Lunch & Learns on the health impacts of climate change. In addition, CHA's twice-weekly employee newsletter, InBrief, includes 3-4 climate related tips and articles each month to help keep protecting the environment and saving energy top of mind across the organization. In addition, CHA's Center for Health Equity Education and Advocacy offers an intensive Climate Health Organizing Fellowship, reaching health professionals across the U.S.
Health Education and Outreach
There are many health risks associated with a changing climate. Extreme heat and cold, as well as air pollution, are especially dangerous for those with heart disease and hypertension. CHA/CHAP created a process to educate patients about the dangers of high heat, including multilingual educational flyers and special email alerts to patients during heat waves. Furthermore, comprehensive training was conducted for community health workers so they could lead workshops to educate local residents about the link between climate change and heart health. In April 2025, in collaboration with community and clinical partners, CHAP actively participated in local Earth Day events to share resources and raise awareness that a healthy environment promotes a healthy heart. CHA's Department of Community Health also collaborates with municipalities and local organizations on projects to address air pollution and extreme heat in our communities.
Our Work Continues
Although we have made progress we know there is more to do. We are working with outside experts on a comprehensive Strategic Energy Master Plan to identify additional energy savings and substantially increase our use of enewable/sustainable energy sources, with the goal of reaching net zero by 2050. Greener procurement strategies and the addition of more local and sustainable food offerings in our cafeterias are being evaluated. We continue to assess digital and telehealth care options to reduce employee and patient travel. Improving the health of our patients and communities is not just our mission, but our passion, and
we are committed to creating a healthier environment for our patients, employees and communities.