Environmental Policy

Background

Organizations are recognizing the importance of protecting the environment as an integral part of sustaining their business operations and are committing to improved environmental performance. Focusing on environmental sustainability is also playing a pivotal role in enhancing corporate responsibility.

Risks arising from climate change have led various stakeholders, including regulators, investors, customers, associates and the public at large, to urge businesses to identify, measure, monitor and reduce their natural resource consumption, pollution and waste generation.

Responsible resource consumption is required to ensure continued economic development along with environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is a critical responsibility of businesses to dramatically reduce their environmental impact to achieve the same.

Climate change can also have a negative health impact, leading to an increase in diseases and injuries from growing frequency and severity of hurricanes, floods, droughts, forest fires, etc., thereby putting an additional burden on the health care industry. As the health care industry grows globally, so does the cost to administer health care and the environmental impact on health care from its operations. Therefore, the healthcare industry plays a pivotal role in monitoring, measuring and assessing its own environmental footprint for the benefit of the planet and society at large.

Commitment

Through this policy, Pediatrix provides a framework to manage its operations and their impact on the environment.

As an environmentally responsible organization, Pediatrix® Medical Group is committed to the implementation and maintenance of environmental interventions and initiatives in its operations and in the locations and facilities under its direct control
Pediatrix will encourage and assist in the responsible management of environmental risks in other locations and facilities where Pediatrix has no direct control, but where it conducts business operations

Purpose

Although Pediatrix doesn’t have a significant impact on climate change from its operations and facilities under its direct control, it acknowledges the environmental impact arising from climate change and seeks to do its part to reduce its environmental footprint. Pediatrix strives to achieve sustainable development aimed at both social and economic progress along with environmental protection. Pediatrix acknowledges its responsibility in ensuring that its services are provided in an environmentally responsible, safe and sound manner. To this end, Pediatrix has developed an enterprise level environmental policy to effectively address environmental concerns in its operations and communicate its objectives and approach to its internal and external stakeholders.

Pediatrix will:

Capture key performance indicators with respect to environmental performance such as energy consumption, emissions, water consumption and waste generated and recycled by facilities under its direct control
Remain committed to expanding the scope of measurement and minimizing environmental risks through continuous improvement
Aim to increase awareness of environmental matters in all regions of operation through open and transparent communications with all stakeholders, including but not limited to, associates, physicians, patients, shareholders and the general public

Objective

Measure, monitor and address Pediatrix’s environmental footprint from its operations across all facilities under its direct control
Reduce specific energy consumption, water consumption and waste generation in its operations across all facilities under its direct control
Report on environmental matters as required by applicable rules and regulations or as approved by the ESG Executive Oversight Committee

Approach

Pediatrix is committed to transparency and maintaining open dialogue with its stakeholders on its environmental management efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement and Management

Identify all relevant internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to, associates, physicians, patients, shareholders, local communities, governments, etc.
Participate in discussions to understand different perspectives and expectations from stakeholders
Understand global trends and emerging frameworks for better environmental management

Collaboration with businesses and institutions

Evaluate opportunities to partner with local, national, and international businesses to incorporate technologies and infrastructure at facilities under its direct control to enhance Pediatrix’s environmental performance
Assess the possibility of obtaining certifications from recognized institutions on energy, emissions, water stewardship, waste management and ESG performance

Facilitating Research and Development

Analyze methods to better implement and refine existing policies and procedures and to improve equipment and infrastructure, where feasible
Evaluate the viability of investment in new technologies aimed at improving operational efficiencies and minimizing environmental impacts

Awareness

Implement an annual training and education program to raise awareness among associates regarding environmental protection and conservation.

For Pediatrix Energy, Carbon, and GHG Emissions Management Policy, please click here.

For Pediatrix Water Management Policy, please click here.

For Pediatrix Waste Management Policy (Hazardous and Non-Hazardous), please click here.

Applicability

This policy shall be applicable at all locations and facilities under its direct control.
This policy shall be applicable to all stakeholders over which the company has effective control.
For entities and stakeholders with which Pediatrix conducts business, but that do not fall under its administrative control, Pediatrix shall communicate and promote, through its associates, the alignment of procedures and policies with those of Pediatrix.

Action Plan

Pediatrix will strategize, undertake, and implement relevant environmental management initiatives to execute organizational objectives in accordance with this policy.

Responsibility

The ESG Executive Oversight Committee under the supervision of the CEO/ Board of Directors is responsible for the overall implementation of the items stated in this policy.

Compliance

Pediatrix will ensure that it complies with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations.

Review

The policy shall be reviewed at least once every three years or more frequently, as required. The policy will be reviewed and approved by the ESG Executive Oversight Committee to ensure that it meets all regulatory and business requirements.