What Is Sustainability

For IHS, sustainability means:

• The long-term management of our facilities and operations in a manner that reduces our impact on the environment.
• A safe and healthy environment for IHS staff, visitors, and patients.
• Partnering with Tribes to develop sustainable communities.

The concept of sustainability emerged with the significant concerns regarding the environmental consequences of rapid population and economic growth. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, fulfilling social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure we have and will continue to have, the water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment.

The implementation of sustainable practices at IHS is shaped by the following federal laws and regulations:

• EO 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  sets government-wide goals to lead by example through achieving 100% carbon pollution-free electricity, net-zero emissions from federal operations and procurement, net-zero emissions vehicle acquisitions, and a net-zero emissions building portfolio.
• Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) Overview: Focuses on automobile fuel economy, development of biofuels, and energy efficiency in public buildings and lighting.
• Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov : EPACT addresses topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, types of fuels and vehicles, and research and development; and provides tax incentives and loan guarantees for energy production of various types.
• Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings, known as the "Guiding Principles" Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov : Consistent with and in addition to federal policy, statutes, and EOs, federal agencies must follow a set of "Guiding Principles" pertaining to the integrated design, energy performance, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and impact of materials in federal buildings. These "Guiding Principles" apply to both new and existing federal agency buildings.

IHS and HHS policy and plans incorporate the above recommendations. Below are links to important IHS and HHS documents:

• HHS Sustainability Plans Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov : The HHS Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan outlines progress and strategies for the year, focusing on areas that need improvement. The HHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan outlines challenges that climate change poses to the HHS mission, programs, and operations; identifying specific actions to address those challenges.
• Indian Health Manual, Chapter 13 - "Environmental Compliance, Stewardship, and Sustainability": Establishes the policy, procedures, and responsibilities for managing environmental compliance, stewardship, and sustainability objectives in the Indian Health Service (IHS).
• Environmental Policy Statement: Supports Go Green Get Healthy HHS, or the HHS Sustainability Program; and Chapter 13 of the Indian Health Manual, Environmental Compliance, Stewardship, And Sustainability.
• Sustainability Advisory Board Charter: Establishes the IHS Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB supports the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) in planning, implementing, and monitoring sustainability efforts.