Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Leading the way to a healthier, sustainable, and equitable future

AORN is committed to corporate social responsibility and leading the way to a healthier future for current and future generations. 

We believe that the perioperative community has a role and the power to influence positive change in healthcare, the community, and the environment. When our voices and actions are united with others around the world, we create a movement that is inclusive and impactful.

AORN is developing an ESG Model to support our mission. Together, with our members, facilities, industry partners, and vendors we have an opportunity to help lead the way toward a healthier future for all.

AORN's ESG Initiative

What is ESG?

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) refers to three pillars measuring an organization’s sustainability and societal impact.

  • Environmental: Become better stewards of our environment through sustainable business practices (office, conferences, products, and partnering with others in the community).
  • Social: Our commitment to health, safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community: nurses, employees, healthcare organizations, our products, and community impact.
  • Governance: Ensure high business standards, practices, and transparency.

Impact on Planet

Sustainability and resource efficiency. Emissions, air, land, water, energy efficiency, renewable fuels, waste & pollution, deforestation, biodiversity, climate risk, emergency preparedness.

Impact on People

Health, safety, and working conditions, diversity & equity, supply chain, human rights, product safety, data protection, impact on local communities.

Conduct and Policies

Board diversity & structure, data breaches, cyber, ethical standards, accounting compliance, tax strategy, risk Conduct and Policies management, executive pay.

ESG Information and Resources

For more information and resources on ESG, please visit the Environmental and Social resources below.

AORN Official Statements

AORN Journal

Continuing Education and Online Programs

News and Blogs

Outpatient Surgery Magazine

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

AORN Headquarters

AORN Policy Agenda and Surgical Smoke Safety

Pfiedler Online Programs

Safety Education and Resources

AORN Headquarters

  • AORN’s Office Building was awarded EPA’s Energy Star Designation in 2022 with a score of 80 (more efficient than 80% of similar buildings nationwide).
  • AORN has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” by The Denver Post, and as a “Top Healthcare Company” by Becker’s Hospital Review. AORN’s employee engagement scores are consistently in the highest category. Work at AORN.

AORN's DEI Commitments

  • AORN’s pledge to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare is based, in part, on the ANA Code of Ethics that governs our profession.
  • As a nursing organization we have a fundamental principle that underlies all nursing practice in our respect for the inherent dignity, worth, unique attributes, and human rights of all individuals.
  • We are ethically responsible to provide leadership in the development and implementation of changes in public and health policies that support this duty and maintains the integrity of our profession.

Learn About AORN's DEI Commitments