CHEO has introduced a Waste Management System to eliminate disposable suction canisters, reduce CO₂ emissions and improve staff safety while streamlining workflow. The team also uses reusable surgical gowns and drapes whenever appropriate and has reduced plastic waste through more sustainable options. The team also uses a reprocessing program, which gives certain instruments a second life, helping divert waste from landfills.
Sustainability at CHEO
Building a healthier, more sustainable future for kids
CHEO is building a greener, healthier future for children and youth —today and for generations to come. We are making our hospital more climate-friendly and sustainable.
As the pediatric health centre of Canada’s capital, CHEO was one of the first few in Canada to measure its greenhouse gas emissions and set a net zero goal. We have a bold 10-year redevelopment plan that includes investing in our campus to make it net-zero and climate‑resilient.
CHEO is greener than ever
Through collective action, we’re rethinking our places, spaces and operations to
create a greener, healthier hospital.
Advancing sustainability in the operating rooms
Transforming hospital infrastructure through a deep energy retrofit
CHEO has completed a deep energy retrofit to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrades include a new electric boiler, high-efficiency heat pumps, and improved heating and ventilation systems to enhance reliability while supporting clean indoor air. These upgrades are equivalent to removing 766 cars from the road each year.
Latest news:
A data‑driven dashboard approach to net‑zero health care
CHEO is developing a comprehensive net-zero dashboard to put data at the heart of our decisions and strengthen long-term decarbonization planning. This tool will track progress toward net zero targets through data visualizations and analytics, helping identify where we are today and where we need to go. It will support strategies that reduce environmental impact.
Strengthening climate care in the pediatric intensive care unit
CHEO’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is embedding sustainability
into clinical decision‑making by identifying and reducing low‑value care. Through a scoping review and targeted quality improvement initiatives, including a new breathing trial protocol to avoid prolonged mechanical ventilation that will improve patient care while lowering costs and minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainable solutions in medication management
Coming soon!
Sustainable milestones at CHEO
Major upgrades to CHEO for cleaner air and energy savings
CHEO's new parking garage opens 21 EV stations
BMO donates $2M to CHEO for climate-friendly initiatives on Earth DayOur transformation is powered by community support and generosity
Kids these days are facing a lot. Because the world has changed, and so have their health issues. Kids these days need our help—and yours—more than ever.
Join our biggest fundraising campaign ever to transform pediatric care
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