UC Davis Health Earns National Praise for Sustainability Efforts

The health system's Anchor Institution Mission drives innovations in energy, waste, and community engagement.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:14am

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UC Davis Health has earned national recognition for its leadership in sustainability and community well-being. This extends beyond environmental initiatives and supports a broader commitment to community health through its Anchor Institution Mission. The mission's goal is to boost economically distressed communities in the region through local hiring, purchasing and investing.

Why it matters

UC Davis Health's sustainability efforts demonstrate how a major health system can reduce its environmental footprint while also investing in the local community. By aligning sustainability with its Anchor Institution Mission, UC Davis Health is creating a more resilient and equitable health care model that benefits both human and planetary health.

The details

UC Davis Health's sustainability initiatives include innovations in energy efficiency, waste reduction, transportation, purchasing, design and construction, and clinical care. Recent efforts include distributing reusable utensil kits to employees, expanding the campus tree canopy, donating excess food to those in need, and working to electrify the health system's central plant by 2045 to achieve zero net emissions.

  • In fiscal year 2024-2025, UC Davis Health donated 16,898 pounds of excess food.
  • The Reusable Flatware Initiative debuted at Scrubs East Café in 2025, resulting in nearly 9,000 fewer disposable utensils purchased.
  • UC Davis Health plans to electrify its central plant and purchase clean energy through SMUD by 2045 to achieve zero net emissions.

The players

UC Davis Health

A health system that has earned national recognition for its leadership in sustainability and community well-being through its Anchor Institution Mission.

Kristina Bair

The director of the UC Davis Health Sustainability Committee, which works to create a resilient and sustainable health care model.

SMUD

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District, which partnered with UC Davis Health on energy-efficient design and planning projects.

Arbor Day Foundation

An organization that named UC Davis Health a 2025 Tree Campus for its commitment to using trees and green spaces to support human health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

Practice Green Health

An organization that awarded UC Davis Health the 2025 Emerald Award for its outstanding sustainability program.

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What they’re saying

“Sustainability is fundamentally about protecting and improving health. From energy and building design to food recovery and waste reduction, we're finding innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint while creating a more resilient health care system for our community.”

— Kristina Bair, Director of the UC Davis Health Sustainability Committee

What’s next

UC Davis Health plans to continue the Reusable Flatware Initiative in 2026 with distribution at the Lawrence Ellison Café in the Ambulatory Care Center. The Sustainability Committee will also host Earth Day events in April for staff and students, including events focused on green commuting and a sustainability walking tour.

The takeaway

UC Davis Health's sustainability efforts demonstrate how a major health system can reduce its environmental impact while also investing in the local community. By aligning sustainability with its Anchor Institution Mission, the health system is creating a more resilient and equitable model of health care that benefits both people and the planet.