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SEIU Hospital Sustainability Workgroup


The healthcare sector is responsible for close to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. The hospital industry is responsible for close to 40% of that number. We have the ability to reduce emissions and make our hospital more environmentally sustainable. During the last quarter of 2022 we brought together 6 hospital locals to start the discussion of strategies in the workplace for emission reductions. Early in 2023 we will create recommendations for Local unions and pilot this project in multiple Locals and hospitals across the union.


SEIU 1991 Climate Committee

A Model for Hospital Sustainability

Miami’s Jackson Health System made up of multiple hospitals and clinics including the 1500 bed Jackson Memorial Hospital has implemented an exciting a highly successful system-wide sustainability effort thanks to the work of the SEIU Local 1991 Climate Committee (an initiative under Jackson and SEIU local 1991’s labor management partnership), and their partnership with Practice Green Health. Starting in 2019, the member-led Local 1991 climate committee has both independently advocated within departments and operated through a formal labor-management structure for system-wide change advancing environmentally friendly practices and reducing the system's overall carbon footprint.

Energy reduction and carbon removal:

  • JacksonHealth System has committed to reducing emissions by half by 2030.

  • Added EV charging stations in their parking garages

  • Replaced light bulbs with LEDs

  • Implemented LEED standards and green certification for renovations and new construction

  • Planted 335 trees in the community

Waste and recycling:

  • Created a Sustainable Procurement Policy

  • Committed to phasing out styrofoam from use at the the hospital

  • Conducted staff education to boost participation in recycling programs resulting in the diversion of 185,000lbs from being discarded to the landfill



In addition to these efforts, the hospital completed a baseline assessment of everything from meat consumption to water use and is now in the process of setting specific goals for each area of work such as food and greening the OR. Some goals for the coming year include making the OR smoke-free and lowering their use of regulated medical waste.