Strategic Focus: ESG And Sustainability Digital Strategies For Healthcare

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Executive Summary

Healthcare organizations – comprising healthcare and hospital services, medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical firms – are under increasing pressure to integrate sustainability into their operations, while maintaining high standards around safety and patient care. From minimizing energy use in hospital systems to addressing the affordability of pharmaceutical products and medical devices, the healthcare sector faces unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. This report highlights strategies healthcare leaders can adopt to align their practices with global sustainability goals. 
Summary for decision-makers
Sustainable practices in healthcare protect people and the planet

Sustainability priorities in the healthcare industry
The healthcare sector faces numerous pressures and challenges – which were exacerbated by COVID-19
Healthcare firms must adopt processes and strategies to advance sustainability initiatives
Digital solutions can help healthcare firms embed sustainability into their business practices
Figure 1. Verdantix segmentation of the healthcare sector
Figure 2a. Healthcare and hospital services industry outlook
Figure 2b. Medical devices industry outlook
Figure 2c. Pharmaceutical products industry outlook
Figure 3. Representative material sustainability issues for the healthcare sub-sectors
Figure 4. Examples of sustainability initiatives in the healthcare industry
Figure 5. Internal building blocks for healthcare firms to advance their sustainability programmes  
Figure 6. Examples of industry groups helping firms with sustainability initiatives  
Figure 7. Examples of private-sector collaboration to improve sustainability performance
Figure 8. Six benefits of using digital solutions to support sustainability in the healthcare industry
Teva, Assist International, Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP), HCA Healthcare, Bristol Myers Squibb , Roche, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Assent, Novisto, Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), Boston Medical Center (BMC), Meiji, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Workiva, European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), Healthcare Anchor Network, AbbVie, Novo Nordisk, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Stryker, Becton Dickinson and Company (BD), European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), Philips, National Health Service (NHS), Oritain, Aravo, Joint Commission International, DHL, Nortis, Lilly, Boston Scientific Corporation, World Economic Forum, Ramsay Health Care, Baxter International, Sustainable Healthcare Coalition, US Anesthesia Partners, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Schneider Electric, Eli Lilly, International Hospital Federation (IHF), Champalimaud Foundation, Workday, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Merck KGaA, Johnson & Johnson, GE Healthcare, Bayer, Samsung Biologics, EVA Pharma, Bio Farma, ServiceNow, NAVEX, VelocityEHS, Mölnlycke, International Committee of the Red Cross, BioNTech, Energize, UN Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Cytiva, AdvaMed, Nateria, Compliance & Risks, UNICEF, Health Care at Home, Medtronic, Purdue Pharma, Medicines For Europe, Moderna, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Ethixbase360, Mayo Clinic, Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, World Health Organization (WHO), AstraZeneca, Walmart, Pfizer, GSK, World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), Persefoni, Diversio, Siemens Healthineers, Benchmark Gensuite, EcoVadis, Deloitte, CommonSpirit Health, Serum Institute of India (SII), UN, International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI), Novartis, Sanofi, CVS, NASDAQ

About the Authors

Jessica Pransky

Jessica Pransky

Principal Analyst

Jessica is a Principal Analyst in the Verdantix ESG & Sustainability practice, which she joined in 2022. Her current research agenda covers ESG reporting and data manageme…

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Elisa Molero

Elisa Molero

Industry Analyst

Elisa Molero is an Industry Analyst in the Verdantix ESG & Sustainability practice. Her current research agenda focuses on emerging solutions and global market trends arou…

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Kim Knickle

Kim Knickle

Research Director, ESG & Sustainability

Kimberly Knickle is Research Director of the ESG & Sustainability practice at Verdantix. Her research areas encompass ESG regulations and reporting, ESG risk, supply chain…

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