Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Cleveland Clinic strives to be the world’s leader in patient experience, clinical outcomes, research, and education. One of the largest and busiest medical centers in the world, Cleveland Clinic conducted more than 10 million outpatient visits in 2019 and employs 4,500 physicians and scientists in 140 medical specialties and subspecialties.

Cleveland Clinic’s goal is to reduce its energy use per square foot (EUI) 20% by 2020, which they successfully achieved with a 22% reduction by their goal date. As part of the work to achieve this goal, Cleveland Clinic has deployed a number of energy efficiency initiatives. Some of the higher impact projects have included additional upgrades to LEDs, optimizing air exchange rates in operating rooms, setting back temperatures in unoccupied areas, keeping temperatures between a range of 68-74°F in non-clinical areas, maintaining and replacing steam traps, maintaining and optimizing air filters, installing occupancy sensors, installing high-efficiency building systems, retro-commissioning equipment, and many other projects. The savings achieved through these initiatives is money that can be reinvested back into patient care.

Cleveland Clinic has also found significant value in caregiver engagement to drive additional operational savings through behavioral changes. Leaders within all departments are empowered to prioritize energy efficiency projects and initiatives, and all caregivers understand their role in helping make patient care more affordable. In 2014, Cleveland Clinic launched mandatory energy efficiency training as part of its EcoCaregiver™ program to embed energy-saving behaviors into its culture and to-date 67,000+ caregivers have completed the course. Green teams across the enterprise drive change and organize sustainability events such as those for Earth Day (April 22) and Energy Awareness Month (October).

"Cleveland Clinic's robust energy management program is a national model, demonstrating how to fight climate change through energy efficiency," said Elizabeth Craig, Acting Director of EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs. "Effective energy management not only helps the bottom line, but it also is our most cost-effective climate strategy."

Learn more about Cleveland Clinic’s strategic direction for environmental stewardship through the Cleveland Clinic’s Office for a Healthy Environment (OHE), which provides operational support and directs caregiver engagement in pursuit of improving environmental performance.

PORTFOLIO-WIDE LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS

50% GHG reduction by 2030

40% reduction in energy intensity

Video

Season 2, Episode 2: Cleveland Clinic | Better Climate Challenge Road Show

Guidance Other Resources

The State of Virtual Healthcare

Guidance Other Resources

The State of Virtual Healthcare

Webinar

2022 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit Opening Plenary

Webinar

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaborating to Implement Carbon Reduction Goals

Tools

“I am Sustainable Healthcare” campaign sample collateral

Webinar

The Path Forward: Perspectives on Prioritizing Energy Efficiency

Presentation

Better Business, Better Bodies: Strategies to Create Healthy Buildings

Presentation

Better Business, Better Bodies: Strategies to Create Healthy Buildings

Case Study Other Resources

Cleveland Clinic: Establishing Green Revolving Funds in Healthcare

Case Study Other Resources

Cleveland Clinic: Establishing Green Revolving Funds in Healthcare

Tools

Presentation: Green Revolving Funds and Dedicated Capital Pools

Presentation

Green Revolving Funds and Dedicated Capital Pools: Best Practices in Financing Sustainability

Case Study Other Resources

Cleveland Clinic Offers Healthy Savings with LED Retrofit

Case Study Other Resources

Cleveland Clinic Offers Healthy Savings with LED Retrofit

Showcase Project

Cleveland Clinic: Twinsburg Family Health and Surgery Center

Showcase Project

Cleveland Clinic: Hillcrest Hospital

Presentation

Healthy Funding: Green Revolving Funds for Healthcare

Presentation

Healthy Funding: Green Revolving Funds for Healthcare

Video

Ventilation Setbacks for Healthcare Facilities Peer Exchange

Webinar

Ventilation Setbacks for Healthcare Facilities Peer Exchange

Video

Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Video

Partners Sharing Solutions: Engaging Clinicians To Reduce Resource Use In Operating Rooms

Implementation Model

Cleveland Clinic's Plan to Engage Clinicians and Reduce Resource Use in Operating Rooms

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Better Buildings Challenge

Additional Goal

Commitment

Progress