TL/DR –
The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) has released two case studies showcasing how Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth are using the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for carbon emission reduction and health equity promotion. Boston Medical Center’s program provides solar energy credits to patients, reducing its carbon footprint and helping patients lower energy costs, while OhioHealth’s initiative funds electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas using IRA tax incentives. The case studies serve as a guide for other healthcare providers to harness IRA funding for similar energy efficiency and sustainability projects.
Climate Change Initiatives in Healthcare: Case Studies from Boston and Ohio
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) published two case studies illustrating the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)’s use in Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth to reduce carbon emissions and promote health equity.
Utilizing IRA for Climate Initiatives in Healthcare
The case studies present the innovative strategies of healthcare organizations using IRA funds for energy efficiency and sustainability. Boston Medical Center’s pilot program provides solar energy credits to patients while OhioHealth uses IRA tax incentives to install electric vehicle charging stations.
“The Inflation Reduction Act enables hospitals to save money, reduce environmental health burdens, and offers unprecedented opportunities for healthcare providers for long-term investments benefiting the environment and public health,” commented ADM Rachel L. Levine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health.
Boston Medical Center: Renewable Energy in Patient Care
Boston Medical Center’s Clean Power Prescription program integrates renewable energy into patient care by providing solar energy credits to patients, reducing its carbon footprint and helping patients lower energy costs. This initiative embodies the IRA’s potential in remedying environmental and economic health disparities.
OhioHealth: Increasing Access to EV Charging Stations
OhioHealth focuses on installing electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas, using IRA tax incentives. These stations offer free charging, promoting clean energy vehicles adoption and providing a valuable service to rural communities, who often lack such infrastructure.
Addressing Climate Change & Health Equity
The initiatives underscore healthcare providers’ pivotal role in fighting climate change while promoting health equity. Leveraging IRA funding enables organizations to maintain operations during emergencies, reduce pollution, and meet broader climate goals. The Catalytic Program on Utilizing the IRA by OCCHE connects safety net healthcare providers to the billions available through the IRA and includes resources to support healthcare providers in launching environmentally sustainable projects.
Looking Ahead
The successes of Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth hint at a promising future. With more healthcare providers exploring the IRA’s potential, we can anticipate an increase in projects that marry climate action with health equity. OCCHE plans more case studies release this year, providing continued inspiration and guidance. By advocating these pioneering efforts, OCCHE aims to drive the adoption of sustainable practices in the healthcare sector, protecting public health and supporting national climate objectives.
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