Campus Engagement
GOAL: Sustainability engagement score (SES) of 85.
Goal update
Baseline: 45
November 2024: 56
2030 Goal: 85
The med center seeks to foster a culture of sustainability. To gauge the health and development of this culture, the med center conducted a Sustainability Engagement Survey. The survey combines metrics on knowledge and perceived behavior to determine a single score between 0-100.
In 2019, the SES was updated to reflect changes in the understanding of sustainability. This had the effect of making the SES “harder” and resulted in a lower score. If the survey had remained the same, in 2019 the SES score would have been 61, a 2 point improvement from 2017.
In 2022, the med center conducted this survey again, which resulted in a one point increase from 57 to 58. Individuals reported practicing more sustainable behaviors and viewing their community doing the same. Overall awareness of sustainability also increased from 2019 to 2022.
In November 2024, the med center conducted the survey once again. Our overall score this year was 56, a 2 point decrease from the score in 2022, but when survey results are normalized to account for differences in questions asked, there was virtually no change in score between 2022 and 2024.
Recent Efforts
Zero Waste Employee Appreciation Event
UNMC hosted its Employee Appreciation Event, and there were 550 attendees who enjoyed a mashed potato bar, themed activities, and special gifts. Of the 132 lbs of waste that was generated across the three locations, we were able to divert 119 pounds (90%) from the landfill by sending it to the compost, recycling, or the Hefty ReNew Program, making it a successful zero waste event!
Green Labs Pilot Launch
The Office of Sustainability launched a Green Labs pilot program aimed toward reducing the environmental impact of campus labs by promoting energy efficiencies, waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable purchasing practices. The pilot program was completed by 7 labs with the goal of collecting feedback and expanding successful practices across all facilities.
LiveGreen Ambassadors becomes an ERG
The LiveGreen Ambassador Program (LGA) officially became an Employee Resource Group (ERG)! This designation solidified the group’s role in organizing and engaging others in sustainability efforts at the med center.
Sustainability Month 2024
The med center celebrated Campus Sustainability Month throughout October with a series of events and initiatives, including a tree planting ceremony, a campus cleanup, and the rollout of a new campus-wide recycling program at Bellevue Medical Center! Also, the med center’s culinary services team debuted their contribution to the Health Care Culinary Contest: a “Vibrant Veggie Power Bowl”.
Upcoming Projects
Winter Waste Conservation Campaign.
An educational campaign will encourage mindful waste management practices over the winter months.