5 Reasons Healthcare Facilities Leaders Should Implement a Sustainability Strategy
Tip #36
Mark Mochel, MBA, CHFM, PMP, ACABE, Strategic Account Executive at Brightly, a Siemens company
With rising patient expectations and growing regulatory pressure, healthcare facilities leaders that ignore the shift toward environmentally responsible practices risk higher costs, compliance challenges, and even reputational damage among patients, staff, and investors.
At the same time, sustainability can no longer be just a corporate buzzword or a lofty goal without a strategy behind it. To truly make an impact, healthcare leaders need a clear strategy that balances meaningful environmental initiatives with data-driven capital planning and operational efficiency to ensure sustainability efforts translate into real business outcomes that drive long-term growth.
What Is a Sustainability Strategy?
Traditionally, sustainability was defined as “avoiding the depletion of resources to maintain ecological balance.” Today, the definition has evolved into a much broader framework balancing economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity all in one.
An effective sustainability strategy ultimately encourages efficient operational practices that benefit people, the planet, and profits. These strategies should be practical, data-driven, and measurable to ensure progress can be tracked and tied back to real outcomes.
When implemented effectively, sustainability becomes more than just a regulatory checkbox. It becomes a driver of cost savings, patient trust, and long-term resiliency. Here are five benefits healthcare facilities gain from executing a robust sustainability strategy.
- Improve financial performance
- Reduce energy and operational costs
- Attract investors and global opportunities
- Boost staff satisfaction and drive innovation
- Strengthen reputation and patient trust
Organizations that focus on improving operational efficiency metrics often outperform those that simply report on them. By reducing waste, cutting emissions, and improving efficiency, facilities can lower risks while driving innovation.
ENERGY STAR data, for instance, has shown that high-performing, energy-efficient buildings can save $0.60 per square foot annually in operations and maintenance costs, plus an additional $0.53 per square foot in utility costs. Compound these savings year after year and you’re looking at a substantial ROI.
Healthcare facilities are some of the most energy-intensive buildings, with HVAC, lighting, and critical equipment running 24/7. Inefficiencies can drive up utility bills by as much as 30%.
By optimizing systems and using energy management tools, organizations can not only reduce emissions but also extend the lifespan of essential medical equipment, reduce maintenance burdens, and avoid costly unplanned downtime.
Investors and regulators increasingly demand strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance from healthcare providers. Clear sustainability initiatives not only reduce compliance risk but also open doors to new funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships.
As regulations tighten around emissions and energy usage, medical facilities with proactive sustainability strategies are better positioned to remain compliant and competitive.
For healthcare workers, sustainability often ties directly to workplace safety and culture. Facilities that prioritize efficiency and environmental health foster pride among staff and demonstrate a commitment to patient and employee well-being.
Nearly one-third of workers say they prefer employers that prioritize sustainability. In an industry facing workforce shortages, embedding sustainability into daily operations can help attract and retain top healthcare talent.
Patients are paying closer attention to hospital values and community impact. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability builds trust, differentiates your facility from competitors, and signals that you prioritize long-term health, not just for patients, but for the planet. On the other hand, ignoring sustainability can damage credibility with patients, staff, and the broader community.
Author
Mark Mochel, MBA, CHFM, PMP, ACABE, Strategic Account Executive at Brightly, a Siemens company
Mark Mochel is currently a Strategic Account Executive at Brightly, A Siemens Company. Before joining Brightly, he was a Co-Founder and Senior Vice President at Facility Health Inc., where he was instrumental in introducing new infrastructure investment solutions and benchmarking capabilities to the healthcare industry. Mark has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, an MBA from The University of Michigan, and has held executive leadership roles in multiple industries, providing a unique perspective on the challenges facing healthcare facility management today. As an advocate for increased infrastructure investment in our industry, and a member of the ASHE National Advisory Board, Mark is passionate about sharing his experience with all who serve and are served through the environment of care.