Premier Inc. has released its inaugural sustainability report detailing companywide initiatives focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Simultaneously, the company also introduced a new corporate web page dedicated to sustainability efforts across the organization, according to a news release.
Combined, these new resources highlight the initiatives undertaken by Premier aimed at improving healthcare, building trust, operating responsibly and having a positive impact on communities.
Premier’s sustainability report is aligned with guidelines set forth by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and reflects alignment of the company’s business strategies and key priorities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlights from Premier’s inaugural sustainability report include:
- Governance, Ethics and Responsible Business Practices: Premier has a robust corporate governance and oversight structure to help ensure ethical behavior and responsible business practices across the company. Governed by the company’s Board of Directors, oversight is in place to ensure sound business continuity plans are implemented to successfully manage a range of potential risks, including succession planning, cybersecurity, ethics and legal compliance, intellectual property protections and more.
- Our People and Culture: Premier continues to enhance a diverse and inclusive culture of high-performing individuals, leaders and teams with a growth mindset aimed at transforming healthcare. To promote long-term success, Premier hired a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), reporting to the CEO, who oversees and builds upon our existing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program. The company’s culture of excellence is reflected in increased employee engagement, retention and overall sense of belonging.
- Social Responsibility: Premier aims to help transform and improve the way care is delivered to patients nationwide through member collaborations and co-development of long-term healthcare innovations. Premier provides integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions and consulting services to enable members to deliver better care and outcomes at a lower cost and in a socially responsible manner.
- Supply Chain Management: Premier continually looks for ways to ensure supply chain resiliency and sustainability. In 2020, Premier pioneered a syndicated model to co-invest with members in domestic manufacturing to help expand production capacities, modernize manufacturing and spur innovation. Throughout the pandemic, Premier leveraged the PINC AI technology backbone of 20 years’ worth of cost, quality and operations data points to identify and mitigate shortages, ensuring healthcare providers continue to have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies and pharmaceuticals necessary to provide patient care.
- Environmental Management: As part of Premier’s efforts to improve the health of the nation’s communities, the company integrates environmentally friendly practices throughout its operations by reducing paper consumption, recycling 8-10 tons of electronics annually, and relying on energy efficient bulbs and natural light in office buildings. In addition to Premier’s own recycling and energy efficiency efforts, the company evaluates environmental impact data from suppliers, including the existence of chemicals of concern, recyclables and provides transparency to enable members to make the most ethical choices for their communities.
Premier intends to share its progress on ESG initiatives annually.
