Health care supply chains are the largest contributors to GHG emissions in the health system – estimated to be over 60% of the GHG emissions from health care in Canada. PEACH promotes and provides resources on circular economy practices, which involves keeping resources in the cycle of use for as long as possible through reconsidering the purchase (i.e., refusing), redesigning, sharing (reducing), leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling.  

Leadership can create a culture of sustainability and set zero carbon goals for facilities and practices. Sustainable actions, such as financial divestment, EDI initiatives, and forming Green Teams, all require committed leadership to secure long-term change. PEACH provides toolkits and educational resources to health care leaders so that they understand their roles and responsibilities and can make evidence-based decisions.  

Medications are a major cause of GHGs in health care. The National Health Service in England estimates that medicines and chemicals contribute to 25% of their health system’s climate emissions. A small number of drugs constitute the top contributors to these emissions, with anesthetic gases and inhalers making up 5%. PEACH works with practitioners and facilities in auditing their prescription practices and implementing sustainable prescribing practices.  

Advanced Care Planning and End-of-Life Care (Pg.6 of Green Office Toolkit): The end-of-life period is associated with an increase in health care costs and resources due to hospitalizations. However, most Canadians would prefer end-of-life care at home, rather than acute care in hospital. A focus on Advanced Care Planning and determining patients end-of-life goals can reduce unwanted hospitalizations in the terminal year by about 17%. Advocating for access to home care as well as increased long-term care and hospice capacity would result in reduced health care emissions and improved quality of life.