4/18/2017
PITTSBURGH, April 18, 2017 – In recognition for successful programs to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC received the Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care. The award is one of the Environmental Excellence Awards given each year to honor environmental achievements in the health care sector.
The Partner for Change Award recognizes health care facilities that continuously improve and expand upon programs to eliminate mercury, reduce and recycle waste, source products sustainably and more. Winning facilities must demonstrate that they are recycling at least 15 percent of their total waste, have reduced regulated medical waste, are on track to eliminate mercury and have developed successful sustainability programs in many areas. This is the 13th Practice Greenhealth award Magee has received since 2006.
“Magee has a long and deep commitment not only to the health of women and newborns, but also to advancing environmentally sustainable practices in health care,” said Maribeth McLaughlin, vice president of operations at Magee. “We are honored to be recognized for our sustainability programs and the positive impacts they have on the environment and communities we serve.”
Magee previously has earned recognition for its green practices, including recycling; reducing waste, energy and chemicals in surgical procedures; maintaining an organic garden that provides vegetables used for patient and cafeteria meals; and incorporating environmental health into community education programs. Additionally, Magee’s inpatient units use recyclable materials and feature flooring, walls and furniture made with materials free of hazardous chemicals. Magee also has reduced its carbon footprint by purchasing local materials and recycling nearly 100 percent of its construction waste.
The award will be presented at Practice Greenhealth Environmental Awards Gala, set for May 18 in Minneapolis.
