As communities celebrate Earth Day this week, Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, reaffirms its commitment to healing both people and the planet through sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community-focused initiatives across California.
As a healthcare provider deeply rooted in compassion and service, Dignity Health recognizes that environmental health is intrinsically tied to human health. In 2024 alone, Mercy Hospital of Folsom made significant progress in cutting waste and greenhouse gas emissions. These sustainability efforts included shredding 60.3 tons of paper, which saved 1,025 trees, 422,240 gallons of water, 181 cubic yards of landfill space, and 22,922 gallons of oil. The hospital also recycled 1.7 tons of mixed recycling including cardboard, 2.7 tons of electronics, and 0.75 tons of batteries. Additionally, Mercy Hospital composted 2.4 tons of material, recycled approximately 1 ton of blue wrap from operating rooms, and donated 1.7 tons of food through collaboration with Replate.
These strides represent Dignity Health’s deep commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint and advancing sustainable practices that protect both people and the planet.
Additionally, as a member of CommonSpirit Health, Dignity Health is advancing long-term sustainability efforts through significant emissions reduction goals. CommonSpirit has set a target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040—demonstrating leadership in environmental responsibility. This goal is part of a broader sustainability strategy focused on reducing energy use, conserving water, minimizing waste, and investing in eco-conscious infrastructure.
Currently, day-to-day operations account for 31% of CommonSpirit Health’s total greenhouse gas emissions. To drive meaningful progress, an interim target has been set to cut operational emissions in half by 2030—ensuring steady momentum toward a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
“At Dignity Health, our mission of humankindness extends beyond the walls of our hospitals and into the environment—because a healthier planet leads to healthier people,” shares Julie Sprengel, California President, CommonSpirit Health. “As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to lead in sustainability, knowing that the environmental conditions around us directly impact the well-being of the communities we serve.”
In celebration of Earth Day, Dignity Health hospitals and care sites are engaging in a variety of local efforts that support sustainability and environmental awareness. From seed giveaways, employee plant swaps, and rock paintings, to educational workshops and facility upgrades, our teams are taking action to protect the ecosystems where we live and work.
“Humankindness goes beyond treating our patients—it means nurturing the conditions that keep our Folsom community healthy,” said Lisa Hausmann, Mercy Hospital of Folsom President and CEO. “By integrating sustainability into our everyday work at Mercy Hospital of Folsom, we’re honoring our responsibility to future generations. Environmental stewardship isn’t separate from health care—it’s essential to it.”
Dignity Health is proud to stand alongside community partners, patients, and caregivers in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and healthier world for all.
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9,000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California.
Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.
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