From Vision to Action–How Healthcare Systems Can Decarbonize by Design

As healthcare systems confront the realities of climate change, the question is no longer if they should decarbonize, but how. The good news: the tools and technologies to cut emissions already exist. The challenge lies in integrating them into complex, mission-critical environments without compromising safety, performance or patient care.

To turn climate commitments into measurable progress, healthcare organizations must emphasize smart design, sustainable materials and robust energy systems.

1. Tracking Embodied Carbon

Operational energy often gets the spotlight, but the carbon embedded in building materials—known as embodied carbon—can represent a major share of a facility’s lifetime emissions. In healthcare, where infection control and durability are paramount, tracking embodied carbon helps teams make informed, data-driven choices.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and lifecycle assessments let design teams compare materials not just on cost and performance but on climate impact. Increasingly, low-carbon materials—like recycled flooring, low-VOC finishes and renewable structural systems—have become standard thanks to evolving energy codes and market demand.

2. Balancing Safety and Sustainability

Healthcare materials must meet rigorous standards for infection control, cleanability and sturdiness—but environmental responsibility doesn’t have to be sacrificed. Design teams are finding innovative ways to balance all priorities.

Selecting durable materials mitigates replacement frequency and waste. Choosing products with third-party certifications guarantees compliance with health and environmental standards. Refurbishing existing equipment—such as deficient supply fans with fan arrays—lowers carbon impact and energy use while saving capital. Incorporating daylighting reduces the need for artificial lighting and supports patient recovery and staff well-being.

3. Doing More with Less

Mechanical systems are the heart of any healthcare facility—and the biggest opportunity for emissions reduction. High-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting and advanced controls are now standard in many new builds. But the real gains come from implementing next-generation technologies such as:

Emerging technologies have significantly increased system performance and energy saving; automation plays a central role, with electronics that precisely regulate capacities and lighting levels.

4. Electrification & Renewables

Electrification—replacing fossil fuel systems with electric alternatives—is a cornerstone of low-carbon design. When paired with renewables such as solar panels or fuel cells, it enables facilities to decrease emissions and better command their energy supply.

Some hospitals are even exploring on-site energy generation to combat grid dependence and avoid brownouts. Though these systems require upfront investment and staffing, they deliver long-term reliability and cost savings—especially when paired with utility incentives or federal funding.

5. Resilience for What’s Next

Climate resilience is no longer optional. Extreme weather events, power outages and supply chain disruptions are becoming more frequent—and healthcare facilities must be ready.

Designing for resilience means:

For example, a new energy plant is being installed at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center; other hospitals are weighing similar options, recognizing that early action builds lasting stability.

6. Healthier Buildings, Healthier Communities

Sustainable design isn’t just about carbon—it’s also about people. Climate-smart buildings improve air quality, thermal comfort and daylight access, which has been proven to yield greater recovery outcomes, benefitting patients, staff and the broader community.

By aligning design strategies with ESG goals and population health initiatives, healthcare systems can demonstrate leadership on multiple fronts—environmental, social and financial.

7. Start Small, Think Big

Not every project needs to be a full-scale overhaul. Many healthcare leaders begin by weaving sustainability into small renovations or equipment upgrades. The key is to plan with the future in mind—sizing systems for eventual electrification, installing metering to track performance and building a culture of eco-friendliness across the organization.

Designing systems to generate actionable insights can help guide future projects and upgrades. As more infrastructure connects to the grid, reliability may fluctuate—making on-site energy generation a tactical move.

Looking Ahead

The future of healthcare design is low-carbon and patient-centered. As regulations tighten and expectations rise, the systems that act now will be best positioned to thrive. More than a technical upgrade, decarbonization a transformation in how we think about healthcare, community and the planet we all share.