Combermere, Ontario, January 15, 2026 – The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (the Coalition) is proud to announce the release of its Nix the Nitrous suite of resources, designed to help health care organizations significantly reduce their environmental footprint by addressing one of the most potent greenhouse gases used in clinical settings—nitrous oxide (N₂O).
Throughout Canadian hospitals, nitrous oxide is a persistent contributor to climate change and avoidable operating costs. Nix the Nitrous is part of the Coalition’s broader Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero program, made possible with investment from the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Implementation Readiness Fund. This initiative provides health care teams with practical tools – and national recognition – to support the transition to more sustainable clinical practices.
Newly launched Nix the Nitrous deliverables include:
- Nitrous Oxide Toolkit – A comprehensive guide outlining best practices for emission reduction and equipment decommissioning.
- Nix the Nitrous Checklist – A quick-reference tool to help facility teams assess nitrous oxide use, identify opportunities for improvement, and track progress toward sustainability goals.
- Decommissioning Cost Estimate Tool – A data-driven resource designed to support hospitals in planning and budgeting for infrastructure changes required to eliminate unnecessary N₂O systems.
- Educational Webinar – A national learning event that engaged energy managers, clinicians, and sustainability advisors interested in transitioning away from nitrous oxide use.
These tools are freely available to health care organizations through the Coalition’s website: https://greenhealthcare.ca/nix-the-nitrous/
To complement these practical resources, the Coalition is launching the Nix the Nitrous Recognition Program, a national initiative that celebrates health care facilities committing to the decommissioning of centralized nitrous oxide systems as part of their decarbonization efforts.
Facilities at any stage of the journey—from early planning, to partial decommissioning, to full system removal—are encouraged to participate by completing a short survey: https://forms.gle/EfYDfTV2iG6tqkEH7
Participating facilities may be featured on the Coalition’s website and social media channels. Facilities further along in the process may also be invited to share their experiences through a webinar and receive a certificate recognizing their leadership and achievements.
By eliminating unnecessary sources of nitrous oxide, hospitals can achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and lower maintenance costs—while aligning with Canada’s national net-zero objectives.
“The momentum from the Coalition’s network of committed health care organisations continues to grow,” said Dr. Myles Sergeant, Executive Director with the Coalition. “Hospitals that are stepping up to Nix the Nitrous are leading change that benefits both patient care and the planet.”
Health care leaders, facility managers, and sustainability champions are invited to explore the full suite of Nix the Nitrous tools and resources, and to join the growing community of organisations committing to a more sustainable, low-carbon health system.
For more information, visit https://greenhealthcare.ca/nix-the-nitrous or contact Autumn Sypus, Project Manager for more information at autumn@greenhealthcare.ca.
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Contact:
Kent Waddington
Communications Director
Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care
kent@greenhealthcare.ca