National organization honors UCI Health for environmental responsibility
HealthTrust Performance Group recognizes academic health system for advancing sustainability while maintaining clinical excellence
The HealthTrust Performance Group Account Director Sydney Slosar, far left, presented the Member Recognition Award to UCI Health team members, starting second from left: Strategic Sourcing & Value Analysis Director Joy Kurdy; Energy Management & Sustainability Officer Tony Dover; Sustainability Program Manager Courtney Lusk; and sourcing professional Patrick Kil.
Orange, Calif. — Healthcare performance improvement organization HealthTrust Performance Group has honored UCI Health for setting a new standard for sustainability in healthcare during its annual Member Recognition Awards.
"By eliminating fossil fuels and embedding sustainability across capital planning, governance and clinical operations, UCI Health demonstrates that environmental responsibility and high-acuity care can coexist. This pioneering model offers a scalable path forward for health systems seeking to advance sustainability without compromising clinical excellence,” the organization said in a press release.
The Member Recognition Awards honor organizations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and results by advancing clinical care, operational efficiency, financial performance, sustainability and overall healthcare excellence through effective use of HealthTrust resources and best practices.
“Our commitment to sustainability is an extension of our commitment to health,” said Tony Dover, energy management and sustainability officer at UCI Health. “We are a forever organization. Rather than competing priorities, sustainability and high-quality care are complementary responsibilities. Our success is measured not only by what we achieve today, but by the healthier, more sustainable future we help create.”
The award was presented to UCI Health sustainability leaders at the annual HealthTrust University conference.
“Our members continue to lead with action by turning insight into measurable progress across clinical, operational and financial performance,” said Rich Philbrick, chief customer officer at HealthTrust.
“This year’s award recipients demonstrate what’s possible when data, alignment and disciplined execution come together to solve real challenges. Their work not only delivers results today but also creates scalable models that can strengthen performance across the HealthTrust network.”
Green healthcare leader
UCI Health is proud to be at the forefront of healthcare sustainability. As one of the largest academic health systems in California, it is answering the urgent call to build a model that can withstand the increasing threat of climate change.
In December 2025, it opened UCI Health ― Irvine, the nation’s first all-electric acute care hospital.
In addition:
- For two consecutive years, UCI Health has been honored with the Practice Greenhealth Top 25 Environmental Excellence Award, placing it among North America’s top health systems leading the healthcare sustainability movement.
- In 2025, UCI Health became the first UC and fourth healthcare organization in the state to earn the Sustainable Healthcare Certification from The Joint Commission. This certification provides a framework to help organizations expand or continue their decarbonization efforts and receive public recognition of their commitment and achievements in contributing to environmental sustainability.
- In 2022, UCI Health signed The White House/Department of Health & Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge. In signing the pledge, UCI Health has committed to climate resilience and emissions reduction that includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
- Continued focus on Energy Management & Decarbonization has led to a steady decrease in emissions, a 45% reduction from 2019.
- At UCI Health ― Orange, the facilities team has transitioned more than 95% of its landscaping equipment from gas-powered to cleaner, quieter battery-powered tools.
- UCI Health decreased the use of nitrous oxide by over 80% and eliminated the use of desflurane, an inhaled anesthetic gas with the highest global warming potential.
- Established a Healthy Interiors program and increased the volume of sustainable furniture (having no chemicals of concern) purchases by 82%.
A Sustainability Leadership Committee drives sustainability initiatives across the organization. This 20-member multidisciplinary group formed in 2023 and is co-chaired by the chief operating officer and the energy management and sustainability officer.
Learn more about the progress UCI Health is making toward a healthier future for all.
About UCI Health
UCI Health is one of California’s largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health — Orange, UCI Health — Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education. Follow UCI Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.