Understanding what defines sustainability can inspire us to behave in ways that are ecologically responsible, at work and at home.
Sustainability is a way of interacting with the natural world around us. Sustainable behavior balances the needs of society with the well-being of our precious natural resources – such as air, water and energy sources. Examples of sustainable practices in the healthcare industry may include:
- preparing healthy, locally sourced food;
- delivering the best patient care, while at the same time using supplies mindfully;
- using non-harmful cleaning supplies; recycling; and conserving water and energy.
These are just some of the ways Stony Brook Medicine practices and promotes sustainability.
Stony Brook University Hospital develops and implements sustainability programs here in our patient care units, clinical laboratories, offices and public spaces. Doing so helps us minimize our impact on the natural environment. We want to protect Long Island’s beautiful coastal resources. We use best practices for sustainability in the healthcare industry. At the same time, we’re always looking for new ways to apply sustainability to everything we do.
We pledge to promote healthier communities both locally and globally, and to be an environmental leader in all aspects of our building and operations in a manner that protects the environment and human health. In an effort to respect and protect the earth’s resources, environmental quality and human health, Stony Brook University Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer pledged and signed an Environmental Policy Statement. This Statement instills environmental responsibility as a corporate value, sets annual goals and develops action plans that continuously improve the quality and measurable outcomes of our environmental programs. We monitor, evaluate and report our practices as they relate to these environmental commitments.