The Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) has released its Climate & Sustainability Report, spotlighting the environmental leadership of 13 academic hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto. The report, based on a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard, assessed organizations across a green (achieved), yellow (partially achieved), and red (not achieved) scale.

Report Card

This scorecard evaluated hospitals across four key perspectives:

• Leading: Organizational capacity, leadership, and governance
• Caring: Appropriate care and supply stewardship
• Building: Infrastructure, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and waste
• Shaping: Procurement and resilience to climate shocks and stresses

Each perspective contained two objectives, for a total of eight evaluation areas. The average score across participating hospitals was 3 green, 3 yellow, and 2 red. Humber River Health’s results exceeded the average, demonstrating leadership in sustainability across multiple dimensions.

Humber River Health (Humber) scored an impressive 5 green, 2 yellow, and 1 red, ranking among the leading hospitals within the network. Standout areas for Humber included organizational capacity, appropriate care, products and supplies, waste management, and resilient institution, showcasing the hospital’s deep commitment to sustainable healthcare operations.

“Sustainability is not just a goal – it is a responsibility,” says Jhanvi Solanki, Vice President of Clinical Programs at Humber River Health. “Every decision made, from patient care to operational processes, considers the environmental impact. Humber is setting a new standard in green healthcare, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.”

The Climate & Sustainability Report represents an important milestone in TAHSN’s broader ambition to drive transformational change and position healthcare as a leader in climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

Excellence in the Operating Room

Humber’s sustainability achievements extend beyond the organization-wide scorecard. In 2024, Humber River Health also excelled in the Sustainable Operating Room Scorecard, scoring green in 8 of 10 categories. These categories include:

Sustainability Leadership

• Implementation of leadership structures to support perioperative sustainability

Anesthetic Gases

• Use of ≤0.5L/min fresh gas flows

Reusable

• Establish reusable anaesthesia equipment in place of single use products
• Encourage patients to bring their own reusable belongings bags
• Use rigid containers or reusable linens in place of blue polypropylene wrap

Waste Reduction & Management

• Segregate biomedical and pharmaceutical waste accurately
• Lean trays and/or custom packs to include only frequently used items

Facilities

• Reduce nitrous oxide use and leak

These initiatives reinforce Humber’s holistic approach to sustainability, balancing innovation, quality care, and environmental responsibility.

Building a Culture of Sustainability

From its inception, Humber was built around three core principles: lean, green, and digital. These pillars continue to guide the hospital’s operational strategies, ensuring sustainability is embedded in every aspect of care delivery. Humber’s success in sustainability is driven by a number of foundational initiatives:

• Sustainability Committee: Established in 2024, this cross-functional team includes members from contract management, procurement, biomedical and supply chain management, financial planning, redevelopment, and clinical leadership. Sponsored by the President & CEO and led by the Vice President of Clinical Programs, the committee operates with a formal Terms of Reference and Action Plan aligned to the TAHSN Sustainability Balanced Scorecard framework.
• H.E.A.T. – Humber Eco Action Team: A grassroots committee dedicated to raising awareness of environmental sustainability and advancing waste and energy reduction initiatives across the organization.
• Sustainable Food and Waste Practices: Humber uses ORCA food waste digester technology to divert organic waste from landfills, prepares 80 per cent of its food fresh on-site, vacuum-seals extra food, and offers reusable utensils whenever possible. Routine waste audits drive continuous improvement.
• Hyper-Throughput Operating Rooms: Designed for faster and safer anterior hip replacements, these operating rooms have achieved a 50 per cent reduction in waste, decreased turnover times, and lower linen and garbage output.
• Medical Waste Reduction Programs: Humber participates in device reprocessing and the PVC 123 initiative to recycle oxygen masks, tubing, and IV bags, while the Department of Anaesthesia has adopted practices to reduce inhalation gas emissions and minimize single-use plastics.
• Choosing Wisely Medication Management: Humber’s pharmacy team ensures efficient use of pharmaceuticals to reduce medication waste and environmental impact, including a significant reduction in the use of Desflurane.
• Recognized Achievements: Humber River Health has received the Stryker Environmental Excellence Award (Silver in 2023, Gold in 2024) for operating room waste reduction, diverting over 1,100 pounds of waste in 2022 and achieving 900 pounds of waste avoidance and $300,000 in cost savings in 2023–2024, ranking highest in Ontario.
• Green Hospital of the Year: In 2023, Humber was recognized by the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care with the prestigious silver-level Green Hospital Scorecard Award, naming it Green Hospital of the Year in the Academic Peer Group Category.
• Academic Leadership: Humber is a proud member of the Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health & Sustainable Care, a University of Toronto-led initiative aimed at advancing research, education, and practice to meet the challenges of global ecological change.

Looking Ahead

As climate change continues to pose urgent global challenges, Humber River Health remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship. By prioritizing sustainability today, Humber is building a healthier, more resilient tomorrow, for patients, staff, and the broader community.

To learn more about Humber River Health’s ongoing environmental initiatives, read: Lean, Green, and Digital: One Hospital’s Approach to Sustainability.