November 19, 2024 - BAKU, Azerbaijan – Valley Children’s Healthcare’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building climate resilience was recognized today at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Valley Children’s is one of 143 organizations to sign the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Sector Climate Pledge.
The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity developed the pledge to focus the U.S. healthcare sector to reduce emissions, designate an executive lead for these efforts and release a climate resilience plan.
Valley Children’s broke ground in September on a $30 million, innovative renewable microgrid that will allow the hospital to generate, store and distribute electricity, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. When operational in late 2025, the microgrid will align with the goal of HHS’ pledge for healthcare providers to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“Valley Children’s commitment to the HHS Climate Pledge reflects our dedication to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for our children and communities,” said Todd Suntrapak, President and CEO of Valley Children’s Healthcare. “By integrating sustainable practices into our operations and constructing a renewable energy microgrid on our hospital campus, we ensure we will provide exceptional care for generations of children to come.”
The healthcare sector accounts for approximately 8.5% of U.S. domestic emissions, significantly impacting climate change. Valley Children’s was one of the first signatories of the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge, which includes more than 960 U.S. private-sector hospitals and many other stakeholders, such as health centers, suppliers, insurance companies, group purchasing organizations and pharmaceutical companies.
Valley Children’s microgrid, which will be the largest hospital renewable energy source in the nation, includes solar panels, fuel cells and battery storage that ensure the hospital remains operational during regional power outages. The microgrid is being funded in part by tax credits to Valley Children’s through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which offered financial savings and tax incentives for energy security and climate change programs.
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Source: Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, CA.
