This WHO guidance establishes a standardized approach for measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from health systems, a foundational step for effective decarbonization planning. Recognizing that health systems contribute significantly to global emissions, the document defines common methodologies aligned with international standards and offers practical steps for health ministries, agencies, and institutions to consistently measure and report emissions. By improving emissions measurement capability, health systems can set credible targets, identify emissions hotspots, design interventions, track progress, and increase accountability in climate action.
Key Insights:
Measurement is essential for credible decarbonization planning and for tracking progress toward climate goals, including within national health targets.
Standardized metrics and “best practice” approaches support comparability across health systems and over time.
Building internal capacity for emissions tracking helps health systems to identify their largest emission sources and prioritize mitigation strategies.
Consistent measurement underpins transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making on low-carbon health system transformation.
