CannonDesign proudly joins U.S. HHS Climate Pledge

The voluntary program focuses on climate resilience and emissions reduction, including cutting greenhouses gas emissions by 50 percent through 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. To date, over 130 organizations representing 900 hospitals have also signed the pledge. 

We have already been working with healthcare organizations (many of whom have also signed the pledge) to help them establish clear pathways to decarbonize their operations and emissions. The HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge asks all signatories to do the following:  

• Reduce their organization’s emissions by 50% by 2030 and to net zero by 2050 
• Publicly report all progress 
• Complete an inventory of Scope 3 emissions (these step from supply and value chain) 
• Develop climate resilience plans for their specific facilities and communities 
  

The healthcare industry has a significant impact on climate change, as it is collectively responsible for as much as 4.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the US, that percentage is even higher at 8.5%. Without action, there are estimates that global emissions from healthcare could reach six gigatons a year by 2050, equivalent to emissions from approximately 1.26 billion cars annually. 

CannonDesign is honored to be one of the first architecture and design firms to sign the HHS Climate Pledge. Our fully integrated sustainability services can empower health systems to reduce emissions across building energy, transportation, medical devices, operations and every aspect of their business.  

The move to join the HHS Climate Pledge builds on a long legacy of sustainability commitment including our participation in the AIA 2030 Commitment, the AIA Materials Pledge, the MEP 2040 Commitment and the SE2050 Commitment among others.