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Providence recognized as a national leader in environmental stewardship

Published Date

Practice Greenhealth honors caregivers across 33 hospitals with 42 awards, including the Top Health System distinction

At Providence, caring for people means caring for the places that support health.

This year, that commitment was recognized in a meaningful way. Providence received Practice Greenhealth’s Top Health System Award, the organization’s highest honor, and one of only two awarded in the nation—reflecting the collective work of caregivers across our ministry to care wisely for our people, our resources, and our earth. 

Across the system, 33 hospitals earned 42 Practice Greenhealth awards, including five Top 25 recognitions for hospitals performing at the highest level nationally.

Why this matters

Environmental stewardship is not separate from care—it is part of how we deliver safe, reliable, high-quality care. 
 
When we reduce waste, improve energy use, and limit harmful chemicals, we help:  

  • Create healthier spaces for patients and caregivers
  • Strengthen reliability during times of change
  • Protect the communities we serve today and for future generations 

These awards recognize more than performance. They reflect how caregivers are advancing Providence’s vision of Health for a Better World—in everyday decisions and long-term improvements.

A year of progress across Providence

In 2025, caregivers advanced environmental stewardship in ways that directly support patient care and operational resilience. Highlights include: 

  • 100 sites now operating on renewable electricity 
  • 27% reduction in carbon emissions across Providence hospitals
  • 57 hospitals completed LED lighting upgrades, improving efficiency and care environments
  • 90% of hospitals have deactivated piped nitrous oxide systems, reducing waste and emissions

Together, these efforts help reduce risk, lower waste, and ensure resources are used where they matter most—supporting patients and caregivers.  

Recognition across our system 

From community hospitals to large medical centers, caregivers across Providence are leading meaningful change.

Top Health System and Top 25 recognition

Providence earned a Top Health System Award, alongside five hospitals recognized with Top 25 awards—a distinction reserved for the nation’s highest-performing hospitals: 

  • Providence St. Patrick Hospital
  • Swedish Medical Center Ballard
  • Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill
  • Swedish Medical Center First Hill
  • Swedish Medical Center Issaquah  

Advancing excellence across key focus areas

Providence also received Circle of Excellence awards in key areas that directly affect care quality and environmental impact: 

  • Chemicals
  • Climate
  • Leadership
  • Transportation
  • Waste 

Site-level recognition included: 

  • Providence St. Patrick Hospital (Greening the OR, Water)
  • Swedish Medical Center Issaquah (Energy) 

These efforts show how environmental stewardship supports safer care environments and smarter resource use. 

Recognizing growth and new leaders

This year also reflects progress and momentum:

  • Five hospitals moved up to higher award tiers
  • Multiple sites achieved Greenhealth Leader recognition
  • First-time Champion Award recipients included Covenant Health Plainview and Providence St. Elias Specialty Hospital  

Across the ministry, more caregivers are engaging in this work—strengthening both local impact and system-wide progress. 

Caregivers leading the way 

“These recognitions reflect the commitment of caregivers across our organization,” said Beth Schenk, Providence chief environmental stewardship officer. “Environmental stewardship is an integral part of how we deliver on our vision of Health for a Better World.”  

This work is visible in clinical spaces, supply choices, facilities operations, and daily decisions made by caregivers.

Looking ahead 

Environmental stewardship remains essential to how Providence cares for its communities—today and into the future.

By continuing to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and use resources wisely, Providence is helping ensure that care environments remain safe, reliable, and responsive in a changing world.

Together, we are caring for our common home—and for one another.

Visit the Providence Center for Environmental Stewardship to learn more about our effort toward carbon negative by 2030.