UVA Health University Medical Center Earns Two National Environmental Excellence Awards

In recognition of leadership and innovation in sustainable healthcare, UVA Health University Medical Centerreceived a 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award and a Circle of Excellence Award in Green Building from Practice Greenhealth, the leading membership and networking organization for sustainable healthcare.

The Greenhealth Champion Award recognizes University Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its environmental performance and celebrates the growth and development of the Medical Center’s sustainability programs. In alignment with its Sustainable Healthcare Certification focus areas, the Medical Center highlighted the following impact areas for the Environmental Excellence Awards: Governance & Leadership; Waste; Energy; Transportation; and Green Building.

The Circle of Excellence Award honors the ten highest-performing hospitals in each of eleven notable areas of sustainability expertise. This recognition demonstrates the UVA Health University Medical Center’s outstanding performance and leadership through advanced action in the sustainability impact area of green building, including greywater reuse system, healthy materials, green roofs and a prioritization of occupant health and wellness. 

Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards are given annually to honor healthcare organizations that have embedded sustainability and resilience into their operations and culture. “The healthcare sector is claiming its role as a guardian of public health by refusing to contribute to the problem. Sustainability isn't a side project – it’s a core business strategy that drives resilience, saves money, and, most importantly, fulfills our mission to heal,” said Healthcare Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth Chief Executive Officer Emily Bancroft. “The healthcare system of the future – one that heals both the patient and the planet – is being built right here, by UVA Health University Medical Center.”

What UVA Health Leaders Are Saying 

“After earning the Joint Commission Sustainable Healthcare certification in 2025, we put together a talented cross-functional team with leaders in patient experience, facilities, value management, infection prevention and others to reduce anesthetic gas use, energy, medical waste and more. This award recognizes that this team’s efforts to steward our resources, one of our ASPIRE values, are paying off,” said Mike Marquardt, chief financial officer of University Medical Center. 

“This award is affirmation of UVA Medical Center’s longstanding commitment to fiscal stewardship and sustainable design. It recognizes the efforts of so many contributors­ — from designers and engineers to senior leadership and operations staff­ — all working to conserve energy while still providing exceptional spaces for our patients and staff,” said Kevin Fox, director for Facilities Planning and Capital Construction. 

“I am grateful to the many dedicated team members whose collaboration and innovation made this award possible. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste associated with healthcare is a critical issue and I’m proud that UVA Health is leading the way nationally,” said Kathy Baker, interim chief executive officer and chief nursing officer at University Medical Center. 

About Practice Greenhealth

Practice Greenhealth is the leading membership and networking organization for sustainable health care, delivering environmental solutions to hospitals and health systems across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more at practicegreenhealth.org. 

About UVA Health University Medical Center Sustainability

The UVA Health Sustainability Committee, the Sustainable Healthcare Operations Team (SHOT) and the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) Sustainability Champions meet regularly to advance sustainability practices and policies. Health practitioners, staff, faculty and students are undertaking projects to reduce waste, minimize energy use and make their workplaces safer and healthier. Learn more at the UVA Health Sustainability webpage.

About UVA Office for Sustainability

The UVA Office for Sustainability leads and collaborates on pan-University efforts to steward the built environment and natural resources, engage the University and local community in sustainability initiatives, and discover innovative, collaborative climate solutions. In 2019, UVA set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel-free by 2050 and launched its 2030 Sustainability Plan in 2020. Learn more at the UVA Office for Sustainability webpage.