Hospitals in the Boston region have been successful in cutting down energy greenhouse gas emissions, far exceeding the mandated reduction goals set by Boston and Massachusetts, according to a report by Health Care Without Harm.
Between 2011 and 2015, the hospitals reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent. They are on track for a 33 percent reduction in emissions by 2020. The goals set by the city and state were a reduction of 25 percent by 2020, working towards a 100 percent reduction by 2050.
The specific areas where Boston-based hospitals made the most progress in emission reductions between 2011 and 2015 were:
• Total energy use: 9.4 percent reduction
• Electricity use: 13.1 percent reduction
• Natural gas use: 26.1 percent reduction
Additionally, 20 percent of the hospital sector greenhouse gas emission reductions were the result of investments in renewable energy. For example, Partners HealthCare is working to make its facilities net carbon positive for all energy by 2025 through initiatives such as buying low-impact hydropower.
The report includes data from hospitals serving on the Boston Green Ribbon Commission's Health Care Working Group. The commission is a group of Boston-based business and community leaders who are supporting the city's climate action plan.