HHS Sustainability

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Focusing on Sustainable and Responsible Development

What does Sustainability mean?

Sustainability means living in such a way now, as to not sacrifice the well-being of future generations. In other words, society and its members meet their needs in the present while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems indefinitely. Sustainability has a clear connection to health, as living sustainably leads to a healthy, prolonged life, and climate change can lead to detrimental health issues.

HHS outlines its path towards sustainable operation and efficiency in the 2016 HHS Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan. In this plan, HHS put forth specific reduction goals that would cut consumptions and emissions, while increasing productivity and transparency. While specific program areas work on meeting these aggressive goals, one can’t forget that becoming more sustainable is up to all of us.