UPMC Pledges to Halve Greenhouse Emissions by 2030

The health system says the initiative demonstrates its commitment to 'building a more climate resilient infrastructure.'

UPMC says it will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% across the Pittsburgh-based mega-system over the next eight years as part of its commitment to the Health Care Sector Climate Pledge.

Sixty-one of the nation's largest health systems, including UPMC, in June signed the Biden administration initiative to cut greenhouse emissions in half.

To meet those goals laid out in the Health Care Sector Climate Pledge, UPMC has named as co-chief sustainability officers John Krolicki, vice president, Facilities and Support Services, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Children's Hospital, and Michael Boninger, MD, president, UPMC Innovative Homecare Solutions.

"UPMC will lead by example to develop approaches to health care that rapidly reduce our contributions to greenhouse gas emissions," Boninger says in a media release. "We are making these pledges on behalf of the health and well-being of people today and for future generations." 

Multiple studies have shown that the healthcare sector is among the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and account for about 10% of all emissions in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Energy in a 2009 analysis found that hospitals use 836 trillion BTUs of energy annually and emit more than 2.5 times the energy intensity and carbon dioxide emissions of office buildings, producing more than 30 pounds of CO2 emissions per square foot. 

"Reducing the energy intensity of this sector will decrease its carbon footprint and also alleviate stress on America's electric power infrastructure," DOE said in 2009. "Additionally, new energy efficiency strategies hold the promise of reduced costs for the sector, as U.S. hospitals spend over $5 billion annually on energy, often equaling 1% to 3% of a typical hospital's operating budget or 15% of profits."

In 2014, UPMC joined the Green Building Alliance 2030 challenge and has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 10% in the Pittsburgh area, despite significant growth by the health system.

In addition, UPMC venues have eliminated plastic foam packaging from cafeterias, and more than 40 tons of appliances and equipment have been recycled over the past five years. UPMC venues have received accolades from the Arbor Day Foundation for tree planting. The health system is also transitioning to geothermal technology and building green venues.

"As we work to continue to reduce our environmental impact, UPMC looks forward to implementing additional cutting-edge solutions that will secure our place as a healthcare leader in sustainability," Krolicki says. "We are eager to join the cause in the communities we serve to make a difference for our environment for the long term, which in the end helps the patients we serve."