ABSTRACT

Sustainability is not unique to health, yet sustainability is a unique vehicle for promoting healthy values. This book challenges healthcare leaders to think through the implications of our decisions from fiscal, societal and environmental perspectives. It links health values with sustainability drivers in order to enlighten leadership about the value of sustainability as we move toward a new paradigm of health.

Fully updated for the second edition, the book now includes case studies about:

  • Waste disposal and cost
  • Chemicals of concern
  • Cost of water
  • Green building ratings

This book is a unique resource for researchers, students and professionals working in health and healthcare management because the book connects key concepts of environmental sustainability with healthcare operations. Readers will gain an appreciation for translating leadership priorities into sustainability tactics with beneficial operational outcomes.

chapter 1|20 pages

Hippocrates was right

chapter 2|24 pages

From governance to operations

chapter 3|13 pages

Saluting the captain of the ship

Process engagement + health information technology

chapter 4|23 pages

Waste not, want not

Process improvement + waste management

chapter 5|17 pages

The long and winding road (leads me home)

Employee engagement + transportation

chapter 6|18 pages

Good-bye fried chicken, hello healthy, sustainable food

Patient satisfaction + sustainable foods

chapter 7|17 pages

Through the looking glass

Cost + energy management

chapter 8|16 pages

Before a baby’s first breath

Safety + chemical management

chapter 9|15 pages

Downstream without a paddle

Quality + Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

chapter 10|20 pages

Building brand, literally

Growth/brand + green building

chapter 11|15 pages

Water changes everything

Community benefit + water management