MGH Institute of Health Professions
PRE-2: Points of Distinction

In 2022, the IHP standardized its waste infrastructure throughout its seven campus buildings to allow for more effective and clear waste disposal. In March 2022, a campus-wide bin inventory was conducted to determine infrastructure gaps and needs. Standardized color guidelines were created for campus waste bins to allow for easy identification across a variety of settings on campus: black for trash, blue for mixed recycling, and green for compost. In August 2022, 23-gallon trash and mixed recycling bins were placed in pairs in every classroom, lounge, and kitchen. 23-gallon compost bins were also added to larger classrooms and all kitchen/ lounge spaces. Additionally, all 23-gallon bins were equipped with sign holders to indicate what does and does not go into each type of bin. Custom signage with both images and words was created by consulting with individuals from RecyclingWorks Massachusetts as well various webinars and papers. Over the course of several months, over 120 sign holders were installed on the bins. The IHP now has over 60 trash, 60 mixed recycling, and 30 compost bins. To monitor its waste reduction progress, the IHP receives annual reports from its waste hauler to track data and help determine the program’s effectiveness.

As a graduate school located within the city of Boston, MGH Institute of Health Professions is uniquely able to provide a variety of sustainable commuting options and benefits for its students and employees. These sustainable transportation options include the subway, public bus & ferry stops, shuttles, biking, and walking. Additionally, over the past two years, the IHP has expanded commuter benefits to include the following:

- Discounted Zipcar (car rental) memberships with two Zipcars on campus
- Discounted Bluebike (bikeshare) membership
- Online bike registration system through Bike Index
- Online transportation map
- Employee commuter benefits including free emergency rides home & equipment reimbursements
- Student commuter benefits including discounts, raffles, & carpool planning

In particular, the IHP’s efforts to improve biking infrastructure, education, and communication earned the IHP its first bronze level Bicycle Friendly University award in 2023.

The MGH Institute of Health Professions’ Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health engages in education, scholarship, clinical practice, community engagement, and policy/advocacy efforts to lead nurses and other health professionals in addressing the health consequences of climate change. We integrate the concepts of climate justice; social determinants of health; and the intersections among climate change, climate justice, and systemic racism and their impact on health in all aspects of our work in education, clinical practice, scholarship/research, and policy/advocacy. As a graduate school focused exclusively on health professions, addressing the negative impact human actions have on the environment, and subsequently human health remains a priority. The work achieved through the center highlights that and helps push the Institute’s sustainability initiatives forward.