Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Matthew Pietro, Sustainability Strategy Manager at Practice Greenhealth, for a presentation on the hospital’s sustainability program. Matt provided an overview of our progress over the past year and highlighted key opportunities for improvement.
A Partnership for Sustainable Healthcare
Practice Greenhealth is the leading membership and networking organization dedicated to sustainable healthcare, supporting more than 1,700 hospitals and health systems in the United States and Canada. As our advisor, Matt guides us in understanding emerging sustainability trends, identifying valuable resources and connecting us with experts to enhance our program.
Recognition of Excellence in Sustainability
This past year, Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) was honored with Practice Greenhealth’s prestigious Greenhealth Emerald Award, placing us among the top 20 percent of hospitals nationwide for our ongoing commitment to improving environmental performance and efforts to build sustainability and resiliency into the operations and culture of the institution. We also received the Greening the OR Recognition Award, which honors facilities that have made substantial progress in reducing the impact of the surgical environment and improving environmental performance in the operating room.
Additionally, we were recently recognized by Vizient, Inc., the nation’s largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, with the Environmental Sustainability Excellence Award, distinguishing us as a top performer within the comprehensive academic medical center group. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also acknowledged SBUH’s leadership in climate action, highlighting our commitments as part of the White House–HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge. This pledge aligns with national goals to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
A Legacy of Leadership
Stony Brook Medicine has a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, and we are considered by many as a leader within the healthcare realm. This focus extends beyond the hospital and ties in with the university’s efforts. As the anchor institution for the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island, Stony Brook University leads groundbreaking efforts to develop and deploy innovative climate solutions and acts as a hub for New Yorkers to benefit from the rapidly evolving green economy.
Our Sustainability Initiatives
Stony Brook University Hospital is driving change through initiatives that include:
- Greening the Operating Room
- Reducing energy and water consumption
- Growing and serving healthy foods
- Using safer and fewer chemicals
- Purchasing environmentally preferable materials
- Implementing Green Building strategies
- Investigating how to decrease emissions from transportation
- Focusing on less waste and recycling programs
Looking Ahead
Sustainability is integral to providing better care for our patients, communities and planet. I am incredibly proud of you — our faculty and staff — for your dedication to environmental excellence. Your efforts ensure that Stony Brook Medicine continues to set the standard for sustainable healthcare.
As we welcome the year ahead, I wish you all a joyous and healthy New Year. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in all that you do.
Carol