UPMC Center for Sustainability: Leading the Way in Sustainable Health Care

At UPMC, sustainability is integrated into everything we do—from daily operations to the operating room. Our commitment to environmental responsibility strengthens patient care, supports our communities, and helps protect the planet for future generations.

Launched in 2023, the Center for Sustainability brings together UPMC executive leadership, clinicians, and staff to define and achieve goals for a greener, healthier future.

Powered by the UPMC Center for Sustainability

With more than 40 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient sites and offices, UPMC is advancing sustainability across one of the nation’s largest health systems. Building on over a decade of progress, we are expanding energy efficiency, transportation innovation, waste reduction, and conservation efforts systemwide.

Highlights of our environmental impact

• 80,593 pounds of food donated
• Over 6.8 million pounds of recycled materials reported in 2025
• 1,809 trees planted by UPMC employees (2020-2025)
• 123 electric vehicle charging ports installed
• Fleet shuttle buses in Oakland powered by methane from a local landfill
• 9.7% telemedicine rate, nearly double the national average, reducing travel emissions
• Beehives at Memorial, Magee, and Shadyside Hospitals, producing local honey

UPMC is committed to life-changing medicine—and to healing the planet along the way.

UPMC Sustainability Center Honors Three Departments

The UPMC Center for Sustainability recently launched the Sustainable Unit Designation Program, recognizing departments and employees for their efforts to reduce UPMC’s environmental impact.

2025 Honorees

The first three departments recognized are:

• UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Radiology Departments – launched a reusable blood pressure cuff initiative to reduce disposable cuff use. This resulted in a 40% reduction in disposable use within two months.
  • UPMC Presbyterian: Reached 100% elimination of single cuff ordering one year after implementation.
  • UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: 60% reduction in quarterly average in single-use cuff ordering since implementation in Q1 2024.
• UPMC Mercy Neural Engineering Lab – introduced the Kick the Can initiative, reducing trash bag waste by encouraging staff to use central trash containers instead of individual office cans.

Award-winning departments were celebrated in small ceremonies with hospital leaders and Center for Sustainability staff. Teams received plaques and were highlighted across UPMC via Viva Engage, town halls, and leadership meetings.

Learn more about the Energy to Care Award.

Read more of the latest sustainability articles.

Contact Us

To learn more about UPMC’s sustainability initiatives, email the UPMC Center for Sustainability.