From ideas to action: A new framework for a more sustainable Sinai Health

We spoke with Yuna Song, Sustainability Project Manager, about the new framework and why sustainability matters for Sinai Health. 

What is important for people to know about this framework?

There is already significant sustainability work happening across Sinai Health. More than 36 initiatives are currently underway, led by colleagues across clinical and non-clinical areas who are finding ways to reduce our environmental impact and use resources more efficiently.

The sustainability framework will build on this work by providing an organization-wide strategic approach to connect initiatives, support collaboration and create clearer pathways for advancing sustainability projects.

Over the past year, we have established the foundations for this work, including Sustainability Executive and Steering Committees with representation from across Sinai Health. We are also developing resources and processes to support a consistent approach to identifying, evaluating and advancing sustainability opportunities.

This fall, we will begin introducing our sustainability project process by developing a small number of key priority projects. This will provide an opportunity to test and refine a standardized approach that supports cross-departmental collaboration and planning from project development through implementation.

Why is sustainability important for Sinai Health?

Climate change presents increasing challenges for health and health-care systems, while the sector itself has a significant environmental footprint. This makes sustainability an important consideration in how health care organizations plan and operate.

Advancing sustainability can support our ability to deliver excellent care now and into the future. It can also strengthen organizational resilience, improve resource efficiency and support responsible decision-making.

There are opportunities to reduce costs through initiatives focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction and resource management. Where savings can be achieved, resources can be redirected toward patient care and other organizational priorities.

"Sustainability isn't about a series of projects or even a framework but an approach by all of us at Sinai Health to collectively do big and little things together.  By working as a team, we will reduce the impact healthcare has on the environment so that we contribute to safeguarding the world we live in for future generations." says Ian McDermott, Vice President, Facilities and Capital Development.

What are you most looking forward to with the launch of this framework?

I am looking forward to creating a stronger structure for the sustainability work already happening across Sinai Health and making it easier for our people to contribute.

There is considerable knowledge and expertise across the organization, and the strategy will help bring those perspectives together. By establishing clear processes, resources and opportunities for collaboration, we can identify and advance initiatives with meaningful environmental and operational impact.

How are people getting involved?

Sustainability is an organization-wide effort. The Sustainability Executive Committee and Sustainability Steering Committee will bring together leaders and subject-matter experts from clinical and non-clinical areas to help guide the strategy and identify opportunities across Sinai Health. An online sustainability platform is also in development that will provide information, resources and opportunities for our people to connect with this work.

A great example of the work already underway is the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) recycling initiative led by the Peri-operative Services team, which has diverted more than 3,400 pounds of waste from landfills since launching in April 2025. The initiative demonstrates how employees can identify opportunities within their own areas and turn them into practical sustainability solutions, which is exactly the kind of work the framework aims to support and build on across Sinai Health.

What made you interested in sustainability?

Sustainability is closely connected to health and the future of health-care delivery. The well-being of our environment and our communities are interconnected, and health care organizations have an important role and responsibility to play in building a more sustainable system.

This work also creates an opportunity to re-examine how we operate, use resources and deliver care in ways that better support both environmental and organizational sustainability.

My role is focused on helping turn that opportunity into practical action at Sinai Health. The Sustainability framework provides a foundation for bringing together the ideas, expertise and initiatives across the organization and supporting their long-term impact.

This launch marks an important step in building a more coordinated and sustainable approach to health care at Sinai Health. Through collaboration across the organization, we can turn ideas into action and help create a healthier, more resilient future for our patients, our people and the communities we serve