Environmental Stewardship & Drivers of Health
Environmental Justice for all People, Animals, and the Planet
Through our Environmental Stewardship & Drivers of Health Branch, the High Alert Institute leads with science-backed solutions to address drivers of health, advance environmental justice, and pioneer sustainable models for healthcare and animal welfare facilities.
Guided by the All Hazards, One Health, One Nature (AHOHN) Framework, we are dedicated to addressing the intricate connections between humans, animals, plants, and the environment to advance health equity and resilience. Our Good4Planet initiative is a blueprint for environmental stewardship, demonstrating how renewable energy, advanced conservation, and ethical animal welfare can create a negative carbon footprint. We do this to prove that a healthier, more just world is possible—for everyone
Impact
Data-Driven Action for a Healthier World
We are dedicated to improving disaster readiness and mitigating the impacts of environmental and social risks on people and animals. By integrating scientific research, technology development, and hands-on rescue efforts, this branch creates and shares practical solutions for the planet’s most pressing challenges. From our energy-positive headquarters in the Tiger Creek Forest to our advocacy for data-driven policy, we are committed to building a resilient and equitable future.
The Connection Between Climate, Health, and Justice
Drivers of Health are the non-medical factors in our environment that shape our well-being. Poor air and water quality, noise pollution, and extreme temperatures are proven to impact human and animal health, leading to increased stress, higher rates of illness, and even violence.
Rising Temperatures: For every 2-degree rise in average yearly temperature, studies show that rates of homicides, assaults, and suicides increase by 3%.
Polluted Environments: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) increases blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke. These environmental stressors affect not only people but also the animals in their care.
A Shared Fate:Addressing drivers of health means looking beyond traditional models to create a complete health strategy for humans, animals, and the environments we all share.
ESDoH+G: Advancing Environmental Justice Through Big Data
Environmental Justice requires that all people are protected from environmental health hazards and have access to a healthy, sustainable environment. To achieve this, we must first use scientific data to connect environmental factors to health outcomes.
The High Alert Institute champions the use of Environmental, Social, and Genomic Drivers of Health (ESDoH+G) data. Our proposed Big Data Analysis strategy involves collating and analyzing vast, publicly available datasets—from sensor readings on air quality to public health statistics.
This will allow us to draw clear, evidence-based lines between specific drivers and their health consequences. By identifying these causal relationships, we will provide policymakers with the objective evidence needed to craft effective, just, and equitable environmental policies. This is how we move from theory to action and secure the fundamental human right to a clean and healthy environment for all.
Our Energy-Positive Headquarters: The Good4Planet Blueprint
When it comes to Environmental Stewardship, actions speak louder than words. As a leading environmental and sustainability partner in healthcare and technology, the High Alert Institute’s Good4Planet program demonstrates our sincerity, authenticity, and dedication by putting these ideals into practice on our own campus.
Negative Carbon Footprint: We generate more energy than we consume. Our facility operates entirely on green energy solutions, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable Energy Systems: We generate an average of 4 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity each month from a grid-tied 15 kW bird-safe wind turbine and a 45 kW solar photovoltaic system.
Unprecedented Efficiency: Our headquarters holds a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of -63, making our facility the most energy-efficient renovation in North America. This was achieved using commercial off-the-shelf building materials, proving this model can be replicated.
Conservation and Compassion in Tiger Creek Forest
Our commitment to the environment extends beyond our walls. Located in Florida’s Tiger Creek Forest, our campus is designed to coexist peacefully with our natural surroundings.
Protecting Biodiversity:
A Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife survey confirmed our facility has no impact on the 258 threatened and endangered species living within five miles of our location.
Aquatic Pet Rescue:
We provide rescue and rehoming services for aquatic pets, preventing the release of non-native species into local waterways (a preventable man-made disaster).
Disaster-Ready Shelter:
We offer a haven for aquatic pets during disasters like hurricanes, when power outages and “pet-friendly” shelter limitations leave owners with few options.
Innovating Efficient Aquaculture and Water Conservation:
Electricity accounts for up to 95% of the budget for most fish farms and aquatic rescues. We are pioneering energy-saving processes to make aquaculture environmentally and economically sustainable.
Drastic Waste Reduction:
We recycle 18 cubic yards of materials annually and compost 100% of our on-grounds plant and protein waste. Our facility produces less than half a cubic yard of landfill waste per year.
Water Reclamation:
Our upcoming rooftop rainwater collection and wastewater reclamation systems will reduce our on-site well water usage by over 90%.
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Whether you are seeking to prepare, collaborate, or learn more about our AHOHN approach, we would love to hear from you.
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