Recognition
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center recognized for its leadership on environmental sustainability
A focus on more sustainable operations supports healthier patients, staff, and communities
In recognition for their achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center received the Greenhealth Emerald Award and Circle of Excellence Awards in Transportation, Climate, and Chemicals from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care.
The Greenhealth Emerald Award recognizes outstanding hospitals from within the Partner for Change applicants. This competitive award recognizes the top 20 percent of participants demonstrating advanced sustainability programs and exemplary performance across a range of categories.
The Circles of Excellence Awards celebrate hospitals that not only achieve all-around sustainability excellence but also earn top scores in specific program areas.
“In a shifting health care landscape, a focus on sustainability can help build resilience while better protecting the health of patients and the community,” said Gary Cohen, Practice Greenhealth founder. “UCLA Health demonstrates the kind of leadership, innovation, and performance that can drive the entire health sector toward more environmentally responsible practices.”
Circle of Excellence Transportation Award
UCLA Health was recognized for expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, transition fleet vehicles to clean energy, promoting telework, and encouraging employees to use alternative commuting options such as carpooling, biking, and walking through their rideshare programs.
Circle of Excellence Climate Award
UCLA Health was honored for its leadership in climate action through measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. In alignment with the UC Sustainable Practices Policy, UCLA Health achieved a 5.1% reduction in total GHG emissions and a 3.6% decrease in energy use intensity from 2023 to 2024, advancing toward the systemwide goal of a 90% emissions reduction by 2045.
Circle of Excellence Chemicals Award
UCLA Health earned recognition for its commitment to safer chemical management and procurement practices. By minimizing the use of harmful chemicals and sourcing cleaning products certified by GreenSeal or UL Ecologo, UCLA Health supports healthier environments for patients, staff, and the community.
About Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth is the leading membership and networking organization for sustainable health care, delivering environmental solutions to more than 1,700 U.S. hospitals and health systems. Learn more at practicegreenhealth.org.