Sustainability

As a major provider of healthcare services to the people of Maine and a leader in the health and wellness field, we are taking steps to minimize our environmental impact while providing excellent care in a sustainable manner.

We have signed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge to reduce emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. We are making a long-term commitment to organizational sustainability and reducing our contribution to climate change.

Here we will highlight some of the activities currently underway, and share future ideas and goals designed to minimize our environmental footprint. We can proudly say that thousands of employees throughout our system are engaged and supporting this important work.

Leading the way in Sustainable Healthcare

Sustainable Healthcare - Podcast hosted by Tim Doak
National awards for environmental sustainability
Sustainable Healthcare - Healthy Living on WABI TV

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Northern Light Health Climate Initiative

The Northern Light Climate Health Team is comprised of employees from across the system, to:

  • Shine a spotlight on this concern
  • Increase the climate science literacy of all Northern Light Health employees
  • Complete analysis of where we are, built around a data-driven framework
  • Define bold organizational emission reduction goals, aligned with the state of Maine
  • Develop a mitigation plan and carbon budget for the system
  • Implement emission reduction initiatives across our footprint
  • Ensure resiliency of staff and infrastructure through these changes
  • Foster collaboration and affiliations across the state, region, and country
  • Monitor progress until this work is ingrained in all our workflows and decision-making processes and top-of-mind in all we do

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We’ve completed analysis to estimate total emissions for Scopes 1, 2, and 3.

We are pleased to report a 13% drop in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 (our baseline year) through 2024!

Scope 1

Stationary combustion

Natural gas, #2 heating oil and diesel

Vehicle usage

Company owned/leased vehicles, personal vehicles for which we reimburse mileage, and rental vehicles

Scope 2

Electrical usage

Use electrical bills and EPA guidance to calculate usage

Scope 3

Supply chain

Working with partners on oversight of the supply chain, etc.

Scope 1 Emissions
2021 2024 % Change
47,775 MT CO2e 43,384 MT CO2e -9%
Scope 2 Emissions
2021 2024 % Change
13,202 MT CO2e 8,422 MT CO2e -36%
Scope 3 Emissions
2021 2024 % Change
119,096 MT CO2e 105,076 MT CO2e -12%
Combined Total Emissions
2021 2024 % Change
180,073 MT CO2e 156,883 MT CO2e -13%
Baseline Year Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2021)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2024)

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Inform

  • We are increasing employee awareness and engagement through internal communications platforms and quarterly newsletters.
  • We host bi-monthly guest speakers who present to employees, providing education and discussion on varying topics relating to healthcare sustainability and climate health.

Act

  • In 2024, we completed our first full emissions assessments (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) for both the baseline and most recent years.
  • Recent capital improvement projects to replace aging infrastructure have realized increased efficiency in both energy and water use.
  • Northern Light Health developed a Climate Resiliency Plan to identify risks and vulnerabilities related to extreme weather events, rising temperatures and sea level, air quality, water access, diseases transmitted by insects, as well as how climate affects the health and well-being of our patients.
  • We have committed to source 60% of our electricity from renewable sources. This procurement strategy is a priority that we will continue to expand upon.
  • Historically, the Northern Light Health vehicle fleet has been gasoline and/or diesel powered, but through replacement and end-of-service life opportunities, we are incorporating hybrid or fully electric options whenever possible.
  • Supply Chain contracting processes now include vendor sustainability criteria.
  • Hospital boilers are being converted from #2 fuel to propane when appropriate, resulting in substantial greenhouse gas reduction and a cost savings benefit.

Partner

  • Northern Light Health is one of 20 systems nationwide that was invited to become part of the Health Care Climate Council, a leadership body of U.S.-based health systems committed to protecting their patients and employees from the health impacts of climate change and becoming anchors for resilient communities.
  • Through our vendor partnerships, we are working to divert food waste and recyclables from the waste stream, increase our use of sustainably-sourced food in our cafeterias, reduce our utilization of single-use medical devices, and more.
  • Northern Light Health is partnering with The University of Maine’s Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions to complete hospital food waste audits, the results of which will inform food service programs’ waste mitigation efforts across the organization.

A Climate Resiliency Plan for Northern Light Health

View the Plan

The temperature and weather extremes associated with climate change are associated with a number of health threats. Northern Light Health is committed to making healthcare work for you, and to addressing issues that impact the overall health and well-being of Maine people.

Clearly, there is much to be done, and as a responsible employer and community leader, we are committed to doing our part to mitigate humanity’s impact on the environment. After all, keeping the beautiful State of Maine and our planet healthy results in healthier, happier people!