Review Metrics & Annual Reports
FY11-12 Annual Report - Toxics Reduction Work Group
 Co-Chairs: Matt Carlson, Medical Center, Safety Officer
Julie Sutton, Campus Facilities Management, Landscape and Grounds Supervisor
Mission
To incorporate best practices in reducing the use and disposal of toxics in the operations and activities at UCSF facilities.
Overview of the work group
This workgroup was formed in FY11-12 to address efforts to reduce exposure to toxics in the workplace where there is emerging evidence of exposure risk and greener alternatives available.
Large Academic Healthcare organizations such as UCSF use a range of chemicals to do everything from cutting edge laboratory research; to providing life-saving medications; to cleaning and disinfecting floors and surfaces; to diagnostic testing in labs. While many chemical compounds have beneficial uses that can improve or support UCSF’s mission to advance health worldwide, there are chemicals that can inadvertently affect the health of our patients, staff, students and community. The Toxics Reduction Work Group recognizes that chemicals can play a significant role in the development of disease and is finding ways to not only increase UCSF’s compliance with chemical regulations and guidelines, but also go beyond those regulations to develop a framework for choosing safer chemicals where possible.
FY11-12 Accomplishments - Completed Pilot for alcohol and formalin filtration systems
- Green Cleaning Policy - Adopt an institution wide Green Cleaning policy targeting 100% compliant products.
- Peroxide based cleaner in exchange for bleach based cleaner
- IPM policy draft completed for campus and medical for approval and implementation
FY12-13 Goals - Landscape and pest control contracts
- Development a LEED compliant Integrated Pest Management Policy for institution-wide adoption in order to reduce accidental, or long term exposure to toxics excluding patient and animal care areas.
- Develop an institution wide policy to apply guidelines and specifications of Environmentally Preferable Purchasing to all major, strategic and critical purchasing decisions.
- Developing a program around standardizing waste tracking, consistent and transparent accessible waste tracking system
- Green cleaning supplies for the laboratories.
Metrics - Reduction of hazardous waste generation over time
- Reduction of medical waste generation over time
Related Links and Resources
UCSF OEHS
UCSF Facilities Management
SF Dept. of the Environment
Ca. Dept. of Toxic Substance Control
Green Seal
U.S. Green Building Council
E.P.A. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, UCSF and UCB Joint Program
General Public Health Data Resources
Spotlight on Sustainability: Tracey Woodruff – New Study Finds Toxins in Pregnant Women
UCLA’s Sustainable Technology and Policy Program
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