In recognition for achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, UC San Diego Health has received multiple awards from Practice Greenhealth, an organization that provides environmental solutions to hospitals and health systems across the United States, for the fifth consecutive year.
“At UC San Diego Health, caring for people also means protecting the environment that supports the health of our patients, staff, and communities,” said Brendan Kremer, chief operating officer at UC San Diego Health. “From reducing waste to conserving energy, the practical choices we make each day help build a healthier future for generations to come.”
For the 2026 Practice Greenhealth Awards, UC San Diego Health received the following recognitions:
The Greenhealth Leader Award recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate robust and mature sustainability programs.
This is the first year East Campus Medical Center has been recognized since UC San Diego Health acquired the hospital in 2024. The Greenhealth Champion Award celebrates health care facilities and systems championing the growth and development of their sustainability programs.
Hillcrest Medical Center also received the Circle of Excellence Award in the Climate category, which celebrates the top ten hospitals or health care systems in the country that have not only earned an award for all-around sustainability achievement, but have been identified as one of the top scoring programs in each sustainability category across the nation.
“We have established a collective effort of teams across UC San Diego Health who have made sustainability a part of the way we deliver care every day,” said Ashley Gambhir, interim director of sustainability and executive director of transformation at UC San Diego Health. “From frontline staff to operational teams, there is a shared commitment to doing what is right for our patients, our communities and our environment. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and creativity that continue to move this work forward.”
For the 2026 Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards, 430 health care organizations across the country were recognized for their sustainable health care approach.
Previously, UC San Diego Health was named in the Top 25 hospitals in both 2023 and 2025.
“The more we can pursue sustainable operations, such as clean energy and decreased reliance on single-use plastics, the more we can ensure the health of our patients today and in the future,” said Shira Abeles, MD, medical director of sustainability at UC San Diego Health. “In the face of growing challenges posed by climate change, we are committed to building a more resilient and environmentally conscious health care system.”
In response to the climate crisis, the University of California (UC) established its UC Sustainable Practices Policy to include climate protection, transportation, sustainable building operations, zero waste, procurement, food, energy, water, and health and well-being.
In 2019, UC San Diego Health launched the region's first health care program focused solely on sustainability . Recent efforts to address climate change and mitigate pollution at UC San Diego Health include:
“This recognition from Practice Greenhealth is a direct reflection of our commitment to environmental stewardship in health care, while also providing life-saving treatment options to the community we are privileged to serve,” said Kremer. “The future of sustainability efforts at UC San Diego Health is rooted in creating more resilient spaces for patients, staff and visitors, and we will proudly continue to do so.”
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