Sustainability at Parkland
Parkland is dedicated to promoting efficiencies in community wellness and environmental stewardship and preventing disease through environmental action. Through this commitment, we endeavor toward a more sustainable world that leaves a greener legacy for future generations and better health outcomes for our patients. We fulfill our commitment through four fundamental means: forward-looking regulatory compliance, the ongoing process of decarbonizing our operations, fostering sustainable and more resilient practices, and leading by example within the healthcare community.
Regulatory Compliance
Agencies regulating Parkland define levels of environmental performance and protection.
The Joint Commission is a national agency that accredits more than 22,000 US health care organizations and programs to ensure quality healthcare for patients, prevent harm, and improve patient advocacy. TJC has signed the Health & Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge to, among other commitments, reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050. They’ve also made climate a top 3 strategic organizational priority and released a Sustainable Healthcare Certification in January 2023.
The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) adopts energy codes for single-family residential, commercial, and state-funded buildings in Texas. They require 5% annual electricity reduction goals for public entities such as Parkland. Through an energy management system, Parkland’s yearly electricity use has already been reduced by 16% in 2023.
Decarbonizing Operations
Decarbonization involves reducing the output of carbon dioxide and equivalent gases into the Earth's atmosphere to reduce air pollution, mitigate climate change, and improve health outcomes for the community and beyond.
In 2023, Parkland Health achieved:
387 tons recycled through single stream recycling
1449 tons diverted from landfill or reused through other recycling programs, including office supplies, batteries, writing utensils, and expired medical supplies
12% electric and gas usage avoided against baseline
25% of Parkland’s electricity sourced from renewables
Sustainable and Resilient Operations
Resilient operations ensure continued presence in our community. Electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels, and LED lighting technologies are incorporated into our main campus. We are conveniently located close to mass transit hubs for Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Trinity Railway Express.
Parkland’s native and adaptive landscaping conserves an estimated 17 million gallons of water each year by reducing the need for irrigation. The original project was recognized as the 2015 Distinguished Greenscape Project of the Year by the North Texas Corporate Recycling Association.
Leading by Example
Parkland has been consistently recognized as a leader in sustainable healthcare.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, partnered with the Governor's Office, recognizes the efforts of Texans who are doing their part to preserve and protect the environment with the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Parkland was honored with the 2024 TEEA Innovative Operations/Management Award for setting decarbonization and energy objectives to help minimize impact on the environment while, at the same time, complying with regulatory requirements and aligning with the hospital’s internal goals.
Parkland’s main campus features six LEED Gold certified buildings. These buildings— Acute Care Hospital, WISH Clinic, Tower Parking Garage, Moody Outpatient Clinic, Ron J Anderson Clinic, and the Central Utility Plant—reduce energy, water consumption, and waste to landfill while improving indoor air quality. They are certified by the US Green Building Council through their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
The Maple Avenue Garage holds Parksmart Bronze certification as part of a program that defines, measures, and recognizes high-performing, sustainable garages.
Parkland’s main campus is currently the largest ENERGY STAR® certified healthcare campus in the U.S., with over 3.1 million square feet of space recognized by this certification. According to the ENERGY STAR website, “Certified buildings save energy, save money, and help protect the environment by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings. To be certified as ENERGY STAR, a building must meet strict energy performance standards set by EPA.”
Parkland is the recipient of two awards from the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): the Energy to Care Award, which recognizes health care facilities that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in energy efficiency, and the Sustainability Champion Award, which honors facilities for achievements in health care sustainability.
Parkland was a featured panelist during the “Decarbonizing Health Care: Taking the Next Step to Reduce Your Organization’s Emissions” webinar presented by the National Academy of Medicine, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Health Care Without Harm, and Practice Greenhealth.
Parkland was given the 2024 Greenhealth Partner for Change Award honoring superior performance in environmental sustainability, covering a range of different sustainability programs and activities.
Parkland joined the EPA Green Power Partnership, recognizing leadership and impact in green power use. Parkland ranks as the second largest adopter of renewable energy in the Texas healthcare sector.
Parkland adheres to sustainable principles, ensuring a healthier future for our patients and our community. Please reach out to our sustainability team with any questions or suggestions. Contact: sustainability@phhs.org.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Dr. Jane Goodall