Green Buildings

Healthcare facilities and buildings represent significant potential for environmental impact, from emissions associated with operations, to indoor air quality, to finishes and furnishings that are free of harsh chemicals.

Green Construction & Renovation

The University of California System has adopted LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design as the standard for green building policies. LEED is the world’s leading third party certification system for green buildings. Building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. All of our new construction must be certified at a minimum LEED Silver, strive for LEED Gold or higher and exceed Title 24 Requirements by at least 20%.

For a full list of our LEED certified projects, visit the LEED Project Database and see our LEED certified projects at UCLA Health.

Green Interiors 

We follow Practice Greenhealth’s guidance for safer chemicals in our interiors, including flooring, finishes, and furniture. The chemicals of concern are formaldehyde, flame retardants, per- and poly-fluorinated compounds, PVC or vinyl, and antimicrobials – we strive to omit all of these harmful substances in our facilities. While virtually all humans are exposed to harmful chemicals during their lives, our goal is to reduce potentially harmful exposures for everyone who enters our hospitals, including patients, staff, and visitors.

Unwanted Furniture

Each department is responsible for their furniture procurement and disposal, but with guidance, we can ensure all furniture is disposed of properly or is donated accordingly.

Unwanted furniture in good or fair condition can be sold second-hand through the UCLA’s Dollar Savers program. If you have unwanted furniture or items that are at end-of-life, please submit a Support Services Request.

Renewable Energy

De-carbonization of our energy supply and transitioning to clean, renewable fuel is the path forward for UCLA Health. UCLA Health is evaluating installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on buildings and parking structures, where structural and operational considerations allow. UCLA Health has plans to partner with LADWP to launch the feed-in-tariff program that will place solar panels on all eligible buildings and structures.