In an era where the intersection of health care and environmental responsibility is increasingly critical, corporate director of sustainability for the University of Pennsylvania Health System Greg Evans stands out as a beacon of sustainable leadership.
2 min. read
In an era where the intersection of health care and environmental responsibility is increasingly critical, Greg Evans stands out as a beacon of sustainable leadership. As the corporate director of sustainability for the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), Evans has been instrumental in steering Penn Medicine towards a greener future. “Reducing our environmental impact isn't just about operational efficiency,” he says. “It’s a commitment to safeguarding public health now and for future generations.”
Corporate director of sustainability for the University of Pennsylvania Health System Greg Evans.
(Image: Courtesy of Environmental Innovations Initiative)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Evans earned a sustainability certification from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Recognizing a gap in Penn Medicine’s sustainability initiatives, he proactively proposed and established the role of Corporate Director of Sustainability, a position that has since become pivotal in the health system’s green transformation.
Under Evans’ leadership, Penn Medicine has launched a comprehensive Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP), in alignment with the University's CSAP 4.0. The inaugural Penn Medicine plan targets the health system’s most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This includes supply chain management, food services, sanitation chemicals, transportation, and new construction projects.
Beyond infrastructural changes, Evans emphasizes the importance of embedding sustainability into the organizational culture. New employees receive sustainability training during orientation, and ongoing education will ensure that environmental consciousness remains a core value across all levels of the health system. “It’s about building a coalition. Even if your story is indisputable, you need to engage stakeholders at all levels to drive meaningful change,” Evans says.
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