The UPMC Center for Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

The UPMC Center for Sustainability

Leading the Charge in Waste Reduction

May 8, 2025

Environmental Stewardship 

Sustainability has become a crucial focus in health care, with the sector contributing about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In response to this challenge, UPMC launched the Center for Sustainability in the spring of 2023. The Center’s mission is to reduce UPMC’s environmental footprint, and enhance patient care through a comprehensive, system-wide approach to sustainable practices. 

Addressing Healthcare’s Environmental Impact 

The Center for Sustainability is tasked with managing UPMC’s environmental initiatives.  UPMC is committed to addressing the significant environmental impact of health care, and waste management plays a key role in this effort. Waste reduction, however, extends far beyond traditional curbside waste— it involves every service line of UPMC’s operations. 

UPMC's waste management efforts include food waste and packaging reductions, waste minimization through responsible purchasing, and furniture reuse. By targeting these areas, the Center aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which benefits the environment by reducing landfill space and methane production.  

The Complexities of Waste Reduction 

To understand the importance of waste reduction, it’s essential to look beyond the discarded material. Waste has a far-reaching impact that spans the entire product’s life cycle, from the cradle to the grave. Considering Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions— those associated with a product’s full life cycle— allows UPMC to assess the true environmental cost of waste. For example, with food products, the “cradle” phase includes the emissions tied to farming practices and transportation, while the “grave” phase involves how products are disposed of like composting or ending up in landfills. Understanding this broader perspective helps UPMC identify areas to reduce many areas of waste.  

UPMC’s Waste Reduction Achievements 

UPMC has made significant strides in reducing waste across the organization. In 2023, UPMC became the first health system in Pennsylvania to submit the Pennsylvania Annual Recycling Report. That year, UPMC recycled over 2 million pounds of recyclable materials. By 2024, the Center expanded the report to include eight new categories, bringing the total recycled weight to more than 4.2 million pounds — a 109% increase from the previous year. These new categories include the recycling of materials like construction materials, and cooking oil, which can be used to produce biodiesel and bio-aviation fuel, further contributing to environmental benefits. 

The Center for Sustainability is also working to establish food waste reduction programs at every UPMC hospital. Some hospitals compost, participate in food donation programs, and have food waste tracking systems in place. Additionally, UPMC is using food audits, streamlined menus, and more efficient ordering practices to reduce food waste. To further offset food waste, UPMC donates surplus food to organizations such as 412 Food Rescue, the University of Pittsburgh’s Food Rescue Heroes, and York Fresh Food Farms. In 2024, nine hospitals in the Southwest Region donated nearly 96,000 pounds of food to local food banks. 

Supply Chain and Operational Waste Reduction 

Waste reduction is also being addressed through innovations in UPMC’s supply chain. UPMC has made several changes to reduce packaging waste, such as bulk ordering laptops in larger boxes rather than individually packaged units. In operating rooms, audits are being conducted to minimize the waste of unused surgical tools from surgery packs, and biodegradable surgical packaging trays are replacing traditional plastic alternatives. 

A significant accomplishment in 2024 was UPMC’s decision to eliminate desflurane, an anesthetic gas with a global warming potential 3,700 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. By discontinuing its use, UPMC is significantly reducing its anesthetic gas environmental footprint. 

The Center for Sustainability has also focused on reducing furniture and equipment waste. An internal platform has been created to facilitate the swapping of furniture and surgical instruments amongst various service lines across the organization, helping to prevent these items from being discarded. UPMC also partners with organizations such as Global Links to donate unused medical supplies and furniture to areas in need. 

Looking to the Future 

The Center for Sustainability remains committed to expanding its efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship across UPMC. The goal is to continue refining waste reduction practices, expand food donation programs, and improve supply chain sustainability. By innovating in these areas, UPMC is setting a strong example for the health care sector and demonstrating that sustainability can go hand in hand with quality patient care. 

 The Center for Sustainability’s initiatives not only reduce waste and lower costs but also have a positive impact on the communities UPMC serves. As UPMC continues to prioritize sustainability, it is proud to be an example for other health care organizations looking to make meaningful, long-term contributions to environmental protection.