Healthcare procurement in the race to net-zero: Practical steps for healthcare leadership

Although it is challenging to assess the greenhouse gas emission footprint associated with individual products and services, health leaders can play a pivotal role in emissions reduction by understanding and utilizing available tools and certifications that measure suppliers’ operational environmental performance. Integrating environmental standards into procurement and supplier selection has the potential to greatly impact emissions production across the healthcare landscape as it will pressure suppliers to improve their operations in order to be selected. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the importance of the supply chain in addressing healthcare-related greenhouse gas emissions. We provide an overview of the types of tools available that can be used to evaluate the carbon footprints of individual companies and rate their performances, as well as certifications that formally recognize companies’ sustainability practices and commitments.