Press Releases: National
September 7, 2007
Kaiser Permanente Achieves Climate Action Leader Status
OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente has successfully certified its greenhouse gas emissions inventory with the California Climate Action Registry, becoming the first health care organization to earn the distinction of Climate Action Leader™. Kaiser Permanente is now publicly and voluntarily reporting its 2006 GHG emissions under the rigorous Registry program.
"At Kaiser Permanente, paying attention to the organization's impact on the environment is another part of providing total health to our members," said Benjamin K. Chu, MD, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region. "We want to provide care in a manner that protects and enhances the environment and health of our communities."
In addition to participating in the Registry's program, Kaiser Permanente has created greenhouse gas emissions programs of its own. According to Kaiser Permanente, the organization's Southern California trip-reduction program has resulted in annual avoidance of 15 million pounds of CO2 emissions by employees commuting to work. In its Northern California region, Kaiser estimates energy savings initiatives at 19 facilities have reduced total CO2 emissions by more than 2 million pounds so far this year, and are expecting to reduce CO2 emissions overall by the end of the year.
The Registry, created by the California Legislature in 2000, is a non-profit public/private partnership that helps companies and organizations throughout the United States to track, publicly report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The results are certified by independent third parties to ensure accuracy and standardization across industry sectors. Organizations that are willing to meet the accounting standards and third party certification requirements of the Registry show their serious intent to address climate change. The Registry has been widely recognized as one of the world's most respected programs for voluntary public reporting of greenhouse gases.
"Kaiser Permanente's leadership is making a truly astounding impact on the health care industry. The organization's commitment and drive to sustainability is remarkable," said Diane Wittenberg, President of the California Climate Action Registry.
About the California Climate Action Registry
The California Climate Action Registry is a non-profit public/private partnership that serves as a voluntary greenhouse gas registry to protect, encourage, and promote early actions to reduce GHG emissions. More than 280 major companies, cities, government agencies and NGOs measure and publicly report their GHG emissions through the Registry.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.
