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1. Getting Started
To begin carbon accounting, health care organizations should collect data from a variety of locations utilizing different methods, including drawing data from energy billing systems, purchasing systems, investment teams, employee surveys, waste data systems, and real estate. This is often a time-intensive activity but is necessary to understand when and how the system is emitting GHGs. Data should be gathered only on facilities and operations where changes can be made and sustained.

2. Determining a BaselineÌý
After data collection, the baseline GHG emissions for the health care system should be calculated and will serve as a benchmark for the development of a reduction strategy. Carbon footprints should be determined by activity data multiplied by carbon factors, and reductions can be planned by using less material or energy or switching to a lower carbon modality.

3.Ìý Setting a Reduction Goal Ìý
A reduction goal should include an anticipated percentage reduction in emissions, specific goal emissions levels, percentage reduction in emissions necessary to reach the goal levels, and a target date for achievement. Some organizations aim for a carbon neutral goal by reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions to zero, but the cutting-edge approach is to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions down to net zero.

4. Developing a Reduction Strategy
Once the reduction goal is set, organizations can use the data they have collected to launch their reduction strategies and then monitor progress. The biggest targets for reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions are typically the usage of electricity, natural gas, and purchased steam:Ìý

• Turn off energy systems when not needed, including lights, heating and cooling systems, and equipment (where feasible) that are not in use.ÌýÌý
• Establish an anti-idling policy for vehicles.ÌýÌý
• Properly maintain equipment and ensure that energy systems operate at peak efficiency.ÌýÌý
• Upgrade lighting systems from fluorescent to LED.ÌýÌý
• Identify future opportunities to utilize more efficient energy systems (e.g., switching from a natural gas boiler to an electric heat pump when a major renovation or new construction allows).ÌýÌý
• Use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, whenever possible.Ìý

5. Monitoring ProgressÌý
Regularly monitoring selected reduction strategies is crucial for understanding how much Scope 1 and 2 emissions are being reduced. Tools can be utilized to rate and compare facility performance prior to and following strategy implementation, while real-time energy data tools can provide feedback on system trends from day-to-day.

6. Reporting Carbon Footprint, Strategy, and Goals Ìý
Publicly disclosing the health system’s reduction goal is important, and there are several reporting frameworks available to ensure transparency. Reporting should include the standard used to calculate the data, how data accuracy is managed, and as much strategy disclosure as leadership is comfortable with.

Download a shareable two-page overview of carbon accounting and these steps to address Scope 1 and 2.Ìý

1. Getting Started
To begin carbon accounting, health care organizations should collect data from a variety of locations utilizing different methods, including drawing data from energy billing systems, purchasing systems, investment teams, employee surveys, waste data systems, and real estate. This is often a time-intensive activity but is necessary to understand when and how the system is emitting GHGs.

2. Setting Boundaries
Hospitals typically set boundaries based on operational control, which includes facilities where they have the ability to make changes and sustain them.

3. Determining a BaselineÌý
After data collection, the baseline GHG emissions for the health care system should be calculated and will serve as a benchmark for the development of a reduction strategy. Carbon footprints should be determined by activity data multiplied by carbon factors, and reductions can be planned by using less material or energy or switching to a lower carbon modality.

4.Ìý Setting a Reduction Goal Ìý
A reduction goal should include an anticipated percentage reduction in emissions, specific goal emissions levels, percentage reduction in emissions necessary to reach the goal levels, and a target date for achievement. Some organizations aim for a carbon neutral goal by reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions to zero, but the cutting-edge approach is to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions down to net zero.

5. Developing a Reduction Strategy
Once the reduction goal is set, organizations can use the data they have collected to launch their reduction strategies and then monitor progress. The biggest targets for reducing Scope 3 emissions include:

• Reducing usage of supplies and eliminating waste.Ìý
• Not-for-profit systems, in particular, can consider implementing investment strategies that reduce their exposure to high carbon industries.Ìý
• Implementing policies to support low carbon commuting, such as using electric vehicles and allowing and encouraging remote work.Ìý
• Tracking and reducing Scope 3 energy in conjunction with Scope 1 and 2 reduction efforts.Ìý
• Tracking waste diversion by type and processing method.Ìý
• Keeping track of business travel activities and their emissions.Ìý
• Tracking leased assets.Ìý

6. Monitoring Progress
Regularly monitoring selected reduction strategies is crucial for understanding how much Scope 1 and 2 emissions are being reduced. Tools can be utilized to rate and compare facility performance prior to and following strategy implementation, while real-time energy data tools can provide feedback on system trends from day-to-day.

7. Reporting Carbon Footprint, Strategy, and Goals Ìý
Publicly disclosing the health system’s reduction goal is important, and there are several reporting frameworks available to ensure transparency. Reporting should include the standard used to calculate the data, how data accuracy is managed, and as much strategy disclosure as leadership is comfortable with.

Download a shareable two-page overview of carbon accounting and these steps to address Scope 3.