Mayo Clinic recognized by Practice Greenhealth for environmental efforts
Mayo Clinic has again been recognized for its environmental efforts by Practice Greenhealth, a national organization dedicated to improving the environmental performance of hospitals and healthcare facilities. The awards recognize organizations that advance environmental performance and improve sustainability in healthcare.
Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Rochester, and Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire and La Crosse, Wisconsin, recently received awards.
"At Mayo Clinic, we understand that sustainability is essential for better care of our patients, communities and the planet. In recent years, we have made significant progress in reducing our environmental impact and are committed to continuing these efforts," says John Dillon, M.D., chair of Mayo Clinic's Sustainability Committee. "We are immensely proud of these achievements, reflecting the dedication and hard work of our staff."
Greenhealth Emerald Award
Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire and La Crosse were honored with the Greenhealth Emerald Award. This award recognizes the top 20% of hospitals with advanced sustainability programs in waste management, energy, water, food, supply chain, transportation, leadership and community engagement, green buildings, chemicals and more.
Partner for Change Award and Health Care Culinary Award
Mayo Clinic in Florida received the Partner for Change Award for superior environmental sustainability performance. Also, Chef Michael Millben won the Health Care Culinary Contest with his plant-based recipe, Three Sisters Blue Zone Tacos. Chef Millben's recipe blends the health principles of the Blue Zone diet with the indigenous agricultural practice of planting corn, beans and squash together, known as the three sisters.
Greening the Operating Room Award
Mayo Clinic in Arizona, and Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire and La Crosse received the Greening the Operating Room Award for their significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of surgical operations.
Circle of Excellence Award
Finally, Mayo Clinic in Rochester received a Circle of Excellence Award for its Food Service activities that reduce food waste and promote health and well-being while minimizing environmental impact. This includes initiatives to buy local and sustainable foods, increase plant-forward meal options, and support community organizations that combat food insecurity. This award acknowledges the top 10 applicants excelling in each sustainability category.
Serving the community sustainably
In healthcare, sustainability involves considering how operations affect the environment and the health of patients, staff, visitors and local communities. Mayo's strategies include minimizing and recycling waste, addressing harmful chemicals, reducing energy and water consumption, sourcing food and products sustainably, and establishing environmentally preferable purchasing criteria.