How Elevance Health Brings Sustainability into Healthcare

According to the World Health Organization, in high-income countries, one in 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care and seven in every 100 hospitalised patients can expect to acquire a healthcare-associated infection.

With nearly 100,000 associates serving more than 100 million people, Elevance Health, formerly known as Anthem Inc. before changing its name in 2022, is working to improve lives and communities across the healthcare sector.

The company is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from its traditional role as a health benefits organisation towards becoming a lifetime trusted health partner, driven by its purpose to improve the health of humanity.

Environmental commitments drive sustainability

Elevance Health has embedded environmental sustainability throughout its operations and community initiatives, acknowledging the significant connection between environmental health and member well-being. The company has set ambitious targets, including achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2030, procuring 100% renewable electricity and encouraging supplier adoption of science-based targets.

The company's sustainability initiatives span multiple areas, including energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, responsible paper and electronic waste management and low-carbon commuting options for associates. Beyond its internal operations, Elevance Health invests in climate resiliency programmes, providing support to members and communities impacted by climate-related events through disaster relief, durable medical equipment access and early prescription support.

These environmental commitments reflect a comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility that extends beyond regulatory compliance. The company recognises that climate change poses direct risks to public health, from increased respiratory illnesses to heat-related conditions, making environmental action integral to its healthcare mission.

By aligning its operational practices with its health-focused purpose, Elevance Health demonstrates how healthcare organisations can lead by example in addressing environmental challenges whilst simultaneously improving health outcomes for the communities they serve.

"I joined Elevance Health because of the incredible opportunity to make a positive impact on millions of lives," says Gail K. Boudreaux, President and CEO, Elevance Health.

Digital innovation transforms care delivery

The company is shaping the future of digitally enabled healthcare through the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital tools designed to enhance care delivery, outcomes and experiences. Drawing on more than 30 years of healthcare data, Elevance Health's methodology combines lab results, personal habits and community trends to deliver holistic, personalised care to its members.

The Elevance Health Digital Health Evidence Council conducts rigorous evaluations of digital health products for clinical effectiveness, ensuring that tools designed for chronic disease management, mental health, sleep and other conditions genuinely benefit members.

"We develop and use AI models to help identify when health events may occur and to personalise care plans for our health plan members," says Ratnakar Lavu, Chief Digital Information Officer at Elevance Health.

"AI can help solve real healthcare challenges."

In partnership with the Digital Medicine Society, Elevance Health contributes to establishing industry standards and awards trusted products the DiMe Seal, promoting safety, accountability and confidence in digital health solutions. Through integrated digital platforms, virtual care, remote monitoring and interoperable data systems, the company is creating a connected, consumer-centred healthcare ecosystem that is proactive, accessible and tailored to each individual's whole health.

This digital-first approach could improve efficiency for both clinicians and members whilst empowering people to manage their health with convenience, personalisation and insight-driven guidance.

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Supply chain sustainability strengthens operations

Elevance Health considers its supply chain a vital element of its sustainability and digital healthcare strategy, requiring every supplier to align with ESG standards. Through the Supply Chain Sustainability Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers are expected to comply with environmental regulations, minimise harm to human health and pursue responsible practices such as paperless technologies and certified sustainable sourcing.

The company engages suppliers through its annual ESG Supplier Engagement Program, which assesses performance across climate protection, business ethics, diversity and inclusion and employee wellness. Suppliers are encouraged to establish science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, report emissions through the CDP platform and contribute to Elevance Health's net zero goals.

By integrating sustainability expectations with supplier development initiatives, Elevance Health strengthens its digital healthcare operations whilst promoting environmental stewardship and community impact across its US$7bn global supply chain.

This collaborative approach to supply chain management ensures that sustainability principles extend throughout the entire value chain, multiplying the positive impact of Elevance Health's environmental commitments and reinforcing the company's position as a leader in responsible healthcare delivery.