Educational Presentations

Hardly a day goes by when there is not news about weather, energy costs or sustainability initiatives. Terms like carbon emissions, Green OR, Green ICU have emerged. The US health industry produces 9% of the carbon pollution in the country, and therefore in each community. Employees, physicians, patients, and families – especially those less than 45 years old – are very interested in what their hospital is doing to not harm the community health. Questions abound for health organizations:

• How does the healthcare executive and physician leader stay on top of the science and make knowledgeable decisions?
• What is a compelling business case for a CFO?
• Where is the ROI?
• What is the signal in all the noise?
• Because it involves many departments like facilities, energy procurement, surgery, nursing, pharmacy, medical staff, supply chain, even investments how can you organize an effective strategy?
• Do hospitals need to build a team or can it be outsourced?
• And lastly, how do hospitals measure progress?

Andy Draper, PhD—a second-generation hospital administrator, seasoned health executive, and recognized sustainability leader—will present an overview of the basic physics of atmospheric carbon, introduce the global standards for measuring sustainability initiatives, and outline a cost-effective framework for reducing carbon emissions in healthcare settings. He will also share case studies and models employed by The Joint Commission and other leading organizations to guide healthcare institutions toward sustainability.

Andy’s presentation draws on real-world experience working with health systems of all sizes and across a wide range of physician specialties. His work, referenced in leading journals, is also captured in his visually engaging eBook, PatientEarth: How Hospitals Can Profit from Sustainability.