Looking Ahead: Environmental Stewardship in 2026 and Beyond

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

At Providence, caring for people has always gone hand in hand with caring for our common home. 

As we move into 2026, we’re continuing to strengthen our long‑standing commitment to environmental stewardship—because a healthier planet supports healthier communities. Across Providence, caregivers, leaders, and partners are working together to make meaningful, measurable progress that supports compassionate, high‑quality care today and for generations to come. 

A Shared Vision for Healthier Communities 

Environmental stewardship is deeply woven into Providence’s mission and values. In the year ahead, we’re continuing to integrate this commitment across every part of our organization—from clinical care and facilities to data, procurement and community partnerships. 

Our approach is both ambitious and grounded. We believe that protecting the environment isn’t separate from caring for people—it strengthens the health, resilience and well‑being of the communities we serve. 

Our Focus in 2026 

Building on years of progress, Providence is advancing environmental stewardship through several key areas of focus: 

  • Reducing environmental impact in clinical care, including continued work to lower emissions from anesthetic gases 

  • Advancing decarbonization across our facilities, with a growing shift to renewable electricity 

  • Strengthening data and analytics, so decisions are guided by clear, reliable insights 

  • Building climate resilience to help our ministries prepare for and respond to climate‑related risks 

  • Promoting responsible sourcing and partnerships that reflect our values 

  • Expanding education and advocacy, helping caregivers, partners and communities understand how environmental stewardship supports health 

Together, these efforts move us closer to our 2030 goals and reinforce Providence’s leadership in environmentally responsible health care. 

Progress We’re Proud Of 

Our momentum is fueled by meaningful systemwide achievements made possible by caregivers and partners across Providence. 

Reducing emissions and waste 

  • Hospitals have achieved a 24.5% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2019 levels. 

  • More than 100 Providence facilities now operate on 100% renewable electricity, with additional transitions underway. 

  • Waste diversion and optimization continue to improve, supported by the WE ACT Scorecard, one of the most comprehensive environmental data systems in health care. 

  • Clinical emissions reductions include a 75% decrease in volatile anesthetic gases and a 90% reduction in nitrous oxide emissions since 2019. 

  • Business‑related travel emissions have dropped by more than 70%, including significant reductions in flights. 

Strengthening climate resilience 

  • Providence completed its first Climate‑Related Financial Risk Disclosure, deepening our understanding of climate‑related risks and opportunities. 

  • All 52 acute care hospitals have completed climate resilience assessments, evaluating risks related to heat, smoke, cold and resource disruptions. 

  • Standardized community health and climate data now better support local planning and response efforts. 

Leadership and recognition 

  • All Providence hospitals continue to maintain The Joint Commission’s Sustainable Healthcare Certification. 

  • Providence earned 51 Practice Greenhealth awards, including recognition of 5 Providence hospitals among the nation’s Top 25. 

  • Providence leaders contributed to more than 75 national and regional engagements, helping shape conversations on building performance, health care decarbonization, and climate‑smart care delivery. 

Innovation and learning 

  • Environmental stewardship initiatives save Providence tens of millions of dollars each year, allowing resources to be reinvested in care and communities. 

  • New carbon‑accounting and analytics pilots are helping inform national best practices. 

  • Providence experts published 10 peer‑reviewed scientific articles in 2025, contributing to the growing body of evidence linking environmental action and health outcomes. 

Looking Toward 2030 

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: measurable impact, innovation and shared responsibility. Every part of Providence plays a role in building a healthier, more resilient future. 

By caring for our common home, we’re living our promise of Health for a Better World—supporting the well‑being of people, communities and the planet we all share. 

Learn More and Stay Connected 

Every step forward matters. Together, we’re protecting what sustains us—and strengthening the health of the communities we’re honored to serve.

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