NJ A5597

Acute care general hospitals must adopt, develop, and submit an environmental sustainability plan to the Department of Health every four years, with newly licensed hospitals required to submit within six months of licensure

Plans must set goals for transitioning to sustainable operations, procurement, and buildings, efficient use of natural resources, and consideration of local and regional environmental impact

Sustainability plans may address areas including creating Green Teams and Sustainability Officers, sustainable purchasing strategies, water conservation, renewable energy use, LEED building standards, carbon emission reduction, and reducing toxic chemical usage

Hospitals must submit annual progress reports to the Commissioner of Health by January 15 each year, which will be published on the Department's website

The Commissioner may establish a Sustainability in Health Care Facilities Advisory Committee to review submitted plans and may adopt rules to implement the requirements