Sustainability Initiatives - UMMC Goes Green

Sustainability at the Medical Center touches all areas of operations within the hospital. Below you will find a brief outline of some of the initiatives UMMC is working on.

All these efforts would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all the Green Team members and staff who have been great advocates for the health of the environment as well as the health of our patients and staff.

Green Building

UMMC's commitment to environmental sustainability is prominently displayed in its most recent completion of the new R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma and Critical Care Tower. This building was designed and built to LEED Gold Standards. Learn more about this and other projects at UMMC.

Less Waste

As part of the process of providing top quality care for patients, hospitals generate large amounts of waste each year. Learn about what UMMC is doing to reduce their waste and mitigate the negative environmental effects of treating and disposing of its waste.

Leaner Energy

The Medical Center currently uses enough power to supply over 7,500 Maryland homes. UMMC is committed to reducing its energy consumption by implementing a number of equipment upgrades, installing LED lighting, and working with staff to change behaviors to help conserve electricity.

With over 8000 employees and 800 patient beds there are thousands of people commuting to and from the Medical Center every day. Learn more about the green transportation options available to staff, visitors, and patients. Learn more about Green Commuting.

Sustainable Foods

Eating healthy is essential to living healthy. In addition to its weekly Farmers Market, the University of Maryland Medical Center is continuously striving to provide the freshest, healthiest, and most sustainable food for its patients, visitors and staff. Learn more about some of our initiatives.

Safer Chemicals

As part of its commitment to patients, staff, and environmental safety and health, UMMC has ensured that any chemicals used at the Medical Center are the safest and environmentally responsible available. See what the Medical Center is doing to create the cleanest & safest environment possible.

Greening the OR

The operating rooms (ORs) purchase large quantities of supplies, generate a significant amount of waste, and use energy intensive equipment, therefore, UMMC has begun looking at ways to decrease the OR's environmental footprint. Learn more.

Smarter Purchasing

UMMC is a large consumer of products and therefore is in a position to demand healthier, safer, and more environmentally-friendly products from its vendors. Learn more.

For More Information

To learn more about why UMMC is going "green," please take a look at our newly published sustainability principles.