Environmental Stewardship Program

Environmental Sustainability

Our Vision for Sustainability

Ascension recently made a public commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions and zero waste by 2040. This commitment will establish Ascension as a leader in sustainability as we encourage other healthcare organizations to join us. These three pillars will guide our work:

  • Net Zero Places focuses on carbon sources associated with physical environments. This pillar considers the carbon footprint and operational efficiency of facilities as well as sustainable transportation.

  • Responsible Supply Chain focuses on the flow of goods from their procurement all the way through their disposition after use—encompassing sustainable sourcing, product usage management, recycling and waste management.

  • Healthy Communities focuses on the relationship between sustainability and social determinants of health, linking this back to Ascension’s Mission to sustain and improve the health of individuals and communities the ministry is privileged to serve.
Ascension's climate resiliency plan.

Climate Resiliency Plan

Ascension developed the Climate Resiliency Plan in support of our sustainability goals and in alignment with the U.S. Health and Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge.

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Learn More About Our Environmental Efforts

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Reports


Read our Environmental Impact & Sustainability report.
View Report

Our Commitments

United Nations’ Race to Zero
Ascension announced its participation in the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign and has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Ascension’s goal is to achieve net zero carbon 10 years prior to this goal.)
Laudato Si’ Action Platform
Ascension signed the Laudato Si’ Action Platform in response to Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical on Care for our Common Home. The seven-year global program was formed as a collaboration among the Vatican, Catholic organizations and individuals around the world.
Office of Climate Change and Health Equity
Ascension signed the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge. By signing the pledge Ascension commits to meet the administration’s climate goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

Green Team

Associates from across Ascension make up the System Green Team. This team provides leadership for the Environmental Impact and Sustainability programs. The dedication of Green Team members allows the Environmental Impact and Sustainability program to foster a culture in which every person understands that stewarding our natural resources is a fundamental, individual responsibility at Ascension.

Ascension St. Vincent (Indiana)
Ascension Wisconsin
Ascension Via Christi (Kansas)

Awards

2024 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change recipients

  • Ascension St. Vincent’s East (Birmingham, Alabama)
  • Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham (Alabama)
  • Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County (Middleburg, Florida)
  • Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola (Florida)
  • Ascension Saint Alexius (Hoffman Estates, Illinois)
  • Ascension Alexian Brothers (Elk Grove Village, Illinois)
  • Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa (Wichita, Kansas)
  • Ascension Via Christi St. Francis (Wichita, Kansas)
  • Ascension Genesys Hospital (Grand Blanc, Michigan)
  • Ascension St. John Medical Center (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
  • Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital (Baltimore, Maryland)
  • Dell Children's Medical Center (Austin, Texas)
  • Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin (Texas)
  • Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Campus (Appleton, Wisconsin)
  • Ascension All Saints - Spring Street Campus  (Racine, Wisconsin)

2023 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Award
The Ascension Texas Market won a 2023 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Award. Ascension Texas won in the “Innovative Operations/Management” category for changes in operation or management that benefit the environment. This award recognizes Ascension Texas’ work to support Ascension’s Mission to sustain and improve community health and the lives of individuals we are privileged to serve.

2023 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award Recipients
Recognized for superior performance in environmental sustainability, covering a range of programs and activities.

  • Ascension Alexian Brothers (Elk Grove Village, Illinois)
  • Ascension All Saints Hospital - Spring Street Campus (Racine, Wisconsin)
  • Ascension Genesys Hospital (Grand Blanc, Michigan)
  • Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola (Florida)
  • Ascension St. John Medical Center (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
  • Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham (Alabama)
  • Ascension Via Christi St. Francis (Wichita, Kansas)
  • Dell Children's Medical Center (Austin, Texas)
  • Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton, New York)

2023 Energy Star Certifications
The following Ascension sites of care received Energy Star Certifications, demonstrating outstanding performance in facility operations with a focus on energy efficiency.

  • Ascension St. Vincent Clay (Brazil, Indiana)
  • Ascension St. Vincent Warrick (Boonville, Indiana)
  • Ascension St. John Owasso (Oklahoma)
  • Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Campus (Appleton, Wisconsin)
  • Ascension Saint Thomas Hickman (Centerville, Tennessee)
  • Ascension St. Vincent Jennings (North Vernon, Indiana)
  • Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County (Middleburg, Florida)
  • Ascension NE Wisconsin – Mercy Campus (Oshkosh, Wisconsin)
  • Ascension Seton Williamson (Round Rock, Texas)
  • Ascension Seton Hays (Kyle, Texas)

2023 Climate Champion awards

  • Climate Leadership - SILVER
  • Climate Resilience - GOLD

Focus on Sustainability


Read more about our sustainability efforts in the Good Day Ascension magazine.
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