SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT
Driving Sustainability Forward
UPMC’s Commitment to Greener Transportation
June 10, 2025
UPMC is committed to fostering healthier communities, not only through world-class care, but also by reducing its environmental footprint. A key focus of UPMC’s sustainability strategy involves transportation, which is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
From reducing the environmental impact of shuttle buses and emergency vehicles to expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and promoting alternative commuting options, UPMC is taking comprehensive action across its system to make transportation more sustainable for both patients and staff.
Cleaner Shuttle Fleets Powered by Landfill Gas
In a groundbreaking initiative, UPMC's Oakland campus partnered with Vogel Holdings, Inc. in the fall of 2024 to create a natural gas fueling center specifically for its shuttle bus fleet. This fuel is sourced from methane captured at the Seneca Landfill that would otherwise be flared into the atmosphere. All 59 Oakland Campus UPMC shuttle buses are powered by this compressed natural gas (CNG), which is a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Smarter Emergency Transport
Efficiency is not just about saving time — it’s also about saving energy and reducing emissions. UPMC’s Center for Sustainability, in partnership with The University of Pittsburgh Office of Sustainability in the Health Sciences, has spearheaded efforts to optimize routing for ambulances and life flight helicopters.
Using advanced mapping and routing technologies, emergency vehicles can now follow more efficient paths, reducing fuel usage while enhancing patient care through quicker response times. Decreased mileage during transport also means less required maintenance and extends the life of helicopters and emergency vehicles.
Greener Commuting Options for Staff and Patients
Sustainable commuting is another key component of UPMC’s transportation strategy. In 2024, the organization installed 69 new electric vehicle charging stations across its facilities, bringing the total number to 123 ports. These stations support staff, patients, and visitors who drive electric vehicles, making it easier to choose low-emission transportation. In addition, the charging stations are conveniently located to offer community access.
Staff surveys are helping UPMC better understand commuting patterns and identify opportunities for reducing emissions associated with daily travel to and from work. Partnering with local organizations like Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Bike Pittsburgh, and University of Pittsburgh Mobility Office gives UPMC the opportunity to align and advocate for greener public transit access and improved commuting infrastructure.
Supporting Active and Remote Alternatives
In collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC is mapping opportunities to enhance bicycling infrastructure, such as installing new bike racks and creating bike maps for employees. These efforts make biking a more accessible and appealing choice for many staff.
Another significant strategy for reducing transportation-related emissions is expanding the use of telemedicine. By enabling remote follow-up appointments and consultations for cases that don’t require in-person care, UPMC is minimizing the need for patient travel without compromising the quality of care.
A Healthier Future for People and the Planet
UPMC’s multi-faceted approach to sustainable transportation demonstrates the organization’s deep commitment to both environmental responsibility and community well-being. Transportation is a vital part of modern healthcare. Through ongoing efforts, UPMC is advancing a more sustainable future by addressing transportation at every level from air travel to daily commutes.
By investing in cleaner fuels, smarter systems, and greener commuting options, UPMC is not only reducing emissions but also setting a model for how health care institutions can lead on climate action in the transportation sector.
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