Nov. 13 UC Davis Health Sustainability Summit features department successes
(SACRAMENTO)
Join us for the first UC Davis Health Sustainability Summit, including breakfast and a look at sustainable food sourcing with Wendi Vela and Santana Diaz. Support colleagues receiving awards, and learn what UC Davis Health departments have already done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
Event Details
Date: Monday, Nov. 13, 2023
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.*
Location: North Addition Office Building (NAOB), Room 1001, UC Davis Medical Center, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817
*Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. for those who want to arrive early.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services data, the health care sector accounts for a staggering 8.5% of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions. Hospitals produce more than a third of our total waste nationwide.
UC Davis Health is working to change that. At the Sustainability Summit on Nov. 13, 8-10 a.m., colleagues throughout the institution will share what they have done to create lasting change. The results: measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and waste – from our pediatric intensive care unit to clinical operations.
Celebrate our Sustainability Saves award recipients
Following breakfast with Food and Nutrition Services' Wendi Vela and Santana Diaz, the Summit will recognize UC Davis Health trailblazers with Sustainability Saves Awards.
Nathan Kuppermann has promoted sustainability in the administrative offices of the Department of Emergency Medicine for nearly 15 years. As part of what began in 2009 the "Lean Green Committee," Dr. Kuppermann was instrumental in eliminating disposable cutlery, dishes, and cups and removing meat from the menu at departmental functions. He also secured funding to replicate such efforts in the other departments of the School of Medicine. As chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Kuppermann has been a vital liaison with Hospital leadership, garnering support for various sustainability initiatives for the Health System.
David Barnes proposed and successfully lobbied to include a category for sustainability projects in the annual Graduate Medical Education High-Value Competition, which supplies funding and statistical support for resident-initiated quality improvement projects. This program has funded six sustainability projects in its first two years. Dr. Barnes is also Director of Sustainability in the Emergency Department, and has helped to lead the transition from disposable to reusable isolation gowns, the collection of surplus supplies for distribution to providers caring for underserved populations, and the reduction in paper printing.
Nina Schloemerkemper is leading efforts to decrease the volume of volatile anesthetic agents administered by members of the Department of Anesthesiology. These agents are potent greenhouse gases, and evidence has shown that administration rates can be reduced without compromising patient care. Dr. Schloemerkemper also directed the decommissioning of centrally-supplied nitrous oxide, which has resulted in up to a 97% reduction in the escape of this potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.
Andrew Hernandez is collaborating with the National Renewable Energy Lab to measure the energy consumption of multiple MRI scanners at UC Davis. This data is currently being used to inform EPA Energy Star’s development of a specification for energy efficient MRIs and will be used to identify areas for improvements in energy efficiency at UC Davis. Dr. Hernandez has also been working to have water-bottle filling stations installed on every floor of the Davis Tower with the ultimate goal of reducing waste from disposable plastic bottles.
William Pevec founded, in July 2020, a grassroots group of clinicians, now known as the UC Davis Health Sustainability Advocates, to encourage more environmentally sustainable practices in the Health System. Collaborating with Sustainability Directors Colleen McCormick and Kristina Cullen, this group has initiated, encouraged, promoted, and directed multiple projects over the past three years.
Barbara Gumnor, working in partnership with Tom Ocheltree, was pivotal in launching the red bag waste program throughout the medical center. She is also active in multiple working groups and sustainability committees throughout UC Davis Health, including the Sustainability Advocates and the Sustainability Committee. She has recently provided leadership in launching the new Clinical Practice Council Sustainability Sub-committee. This sub-committee will focus on waste reduction and sustainability in the clinical setting. Barbara is a known leader for prioritizing sustainability and inspires others to do the same.
Learn what colleagues are doing now to improve sustainability
In 5-minute rounds, hear from individuals achieving lasting change in our operating room, pediatric intensive care unit, emergency department, clinical, and other departments.
Implementing reusable isolation gowns with Virpal Donley, Pediatric ICU
Expanding sustainability in the Emergency Department with Rupinder Sandhu and David Barnes, MD
Tackling greenhouse gases associated with anesthesia with Dr. Nina Schloemerkemper and Albert Huang
Energy reduction in the operating room with Dan Mendonsa
Driving clinical change with Joleen Lonigan and Barbara Gumnor
Breaking new ground in recycling with Julianna Moore and Tom Ocheltree
Expanding your sustainable commuting choices with Sarah Janus
Why Attend?
Inspiration: Gain inspiration from colleagues who are redefining the role of health care in creating a sustainable future.
Networking: Connect with UC Davis Health professionals and experts who share a passion for sustainability in healthcare.
Knowledge: Exchange ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions that can be implemented in your own health care practices.
Impact: Be a part of a movement shaping health care's future by integrating sustainability into its core values.
The UC Davis 2023 Sustainability Summit is hosted by sustainability champions Fawn Hutton, Sarah T Janus, Marissa N Barber, William Pevec, Thomas Ocheltree, Mary Ellen Amodeo, Leah Jean M Mejia, and Kristina Cullen.
