By Sara Marberry — Over the past several years, ESG (environmental, social and governance) has transformed from a buzz term to an important framework for healthcare organizations to implement. That’s why Modern Healthcare, the industry’s leading business magazine hosted its second annual ESG summit for healthcare leaders last June.
One reason is because in evaluating the financial health of organizations, regulators — such as ratings agencies and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — are taking ESG metrics into consideration.
Another reason is many of the healthcare real estate investment trusts (REITs) that provide funding for capital projects want to invest in healthcare and senior living organizations that have strong ESG policies. They are looking for healthcare and senior living organizations that have a history of aligning their operations to support programs that benefit not only the environment but also their employees, local communities, and shareholders.
It’s also the right thing to do.
Profits with a purpose
Some in the financial world are not convinced that you can make profits with a purpose. Recently there’s been a lot less interest in investing in ESG funds. But that’s different than investing in companies that have strong ESG policies.
Recently, the Wall St. Journal reported that due to investor backlash, political pressure, and legal threats, many business leaders are now making a conscious effort not to use the term. And yet, many companies still have ESG programs. They just don’t call it that.
The Wall St. Journal article also points out that, “some dimensions of ESG, particularly the social goals, can be difficult to quantify.” It may not be as hard for healthcare organizations, though, since many already have a social mission.
What does ESG mean for healthcare and senior living design?
While what it’s called may change, I think ESG is a trend that’s here to stay for those who own and operate hospitals, clinics, residential care facilities, and senior living communities.
And there’s no doubt that the buildings that many of you design, build, equip, and furnish can help meet ESG goals and make investors happy. Let me break it down:
Environment is about creating healthy buildings — ones that do not harm people or the planet. These are buildings that incorporate sustainable design, energy-efficient design, and wellness design.
Social is the idea that facility design and construction can affect social determinants of health, such as climate health inequities, access to care, and access to nutritional foods and physical activity. This means designing for resiliency, equality, neurodiversity, accessibility, and wellness.
Governance is about investing in healthy buildings and providing funding, direction, and guidance at the leadership level.
If you’re not already paying attention to this, you should be.
See also: “What Healthcare and Senior Living Design Conferences Should You Go to in 2024?” on Sara Marberry’s Blog.