RMHC has long been known for its dedication to supporting families with sick children in their time of need. And with more than 685 programs in 62 countries and regions, our impact is astounding. In addition to providing comfortable family-centered spaces for families to be together, RMHC is also committed to making those spaces more sustainable for generations to come.

In fact, RMHC incorporates sustainable design principles and features in 100% of all new construction, including 10 new programs that were added in 2021.

Our ambitious commitment to the environment stretches across four key pillars, which are selected for improved comfort of guest families, minimized impact on the environment and ease-of-maintenance to ensure that RMHC programs remain available to serve families.

1. Sustainable Design and Operations: With a wide variety of facilities covering a range of climates and cultures around the globe, RMHC program designs employ many sustainable design features, including maximizing solar exposure for solar panels, optimizing natural daylight and ventilation, and selecting eco-friendly, low-emitting materials and high-efficiency appliances and equipment.

   See it in action: The Ronald McDonald House in Perth, shown above, was the first project in Western Australia to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED Silver building, thanks in part to its water-efficient landscaping, an indoor air quality management plan and more.

2. Water: : RMHC programs use water resources wisely by minimizing demand through best practices, such as selecting water-efficient appliances and fixtures, collecting rainwater and landscaping with native, drought-tolerant plants.

   See it in action: The Ronald McDonald House in Long Beach, California, pictured above, is home to a native landscape that requires little water to maintain and provides a serene gathering place for families.

3. Energy: To help minimize energy demand, energy-efficient appliances, equipment and lighting are used in program designs whenever possible. RMHC programs are also increasing their use of renewable energy to minimize their environmental footprint.

   See it in action: The Ronald McDonald House in Madrid, shown above, uses solar photovoltaic panels and solar thermal hot water to make the most of natural and renewable resources and to reduce energy demand.

4. Waste: There are several ways that RMHC Chapters manage waste that range from responsive meal planning to repurposing existing buildings to eliminate construction waste and leverage the energy and resources already embedded in those structures.

   See it in action: The Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, pictured above, combats food waste through careful meal planning that reuses leftover ingredients in subsequent meals.

“I’m so proud of the work being done to ensure our RMHC programs are designed thoughtfully,” says Kelly Dolan, President and CEO of RMHC, Inc. “As a global organization, it’s incredibly important to ensure our initiatives are sustainable, so we can continue to keep families with sick children comfortable when they need it most.”

The ongoing investments RMHC is making in sustainable facilities and the efficient and effective use of natural resources help keep all local programs in peak condition and available to serve the families they care for.

In committing to environmental sustainability, RMHC can better steward donor gifts, deepen the impact of our programs, help protect and preserve the environment and support healthy communities around the globe – all of which help our organization deliver on our mission.