Transforming healthcare: the PEACH Approach to reducing emissions and achieving net-zero

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Sustainability
• Environmental Health
• Climate Change Mitigation

Background:

• Healthcare sector is a significant contributor to climate change.
• Implementing sustainability initiatives is challenged by current healthcare stressors.
• Need for a structured approach to address environmental impact in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the 'PEACH Approach' for guiding healthcare towards a net-zero future.
• To describe the development of PEACH Health Ontario and its approach.
• To identify focus areas and collaboration strategies for healthcare sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Development of the PEACH Approach through multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Creation of specialty-specific green guidebooks and a Green Office Toolkit.
• Utilizing knowledge translation and engagement for system-wide transformation.

Main Results:

• PEACH Health Ontario has expanded to a national scope.
• Development of practical, evidence-based sustainability solutions.
• Tangible outcomes and a cultural shift towards sustainability in healthcare.

Conclusions:

• The PEACH Approach provides a framework for healthcare decarbonization.
• Collaboration and knowledge translation are key to achieving healthcare sustainability.
• PEACH offers practical solutions for a sustainable future in healthcare.