Environment: The impact of our work on a healthier world

How can we further embed sustainable behavior so that sustainable choices become second nature for colleagues?

How you travel to work is very personal and has a direct impact on our CO2 emissions as well as the vitality of our employees. In 2025, we took important steps to further encourage and embed sustainable travel behavior across our organization.

Long-term sustainable travel behavior after the Sustainable Transport Pilot Group

In 2024, the Sustainable Transport Pilot Group explored suitable, effective, and feasible commuting solutions with 300 colleagues. In 2025, we saw that these solutions worked: in 2025, 90 percent of the participants in the Pilot Group continued to travel sustainably to and from UMC Utrecht – for example, by bicycle or public transport. This contributes to the goals of reducing our CO2 emissions, improving our accessibility, and strengthening our attractiveness as an employer.

Driving easier public transport use together

In 2025, we took the initiative, together with other university medical centers, including Amsterdam UMC, to launch a joint tender for the NS Business Card. Our goal: make the use of public transport easier. No more separate claims or administrative hassle, but one fully reimbursed card that allows employees to travel easily. This step makes public transport more accessible.

From survey to real data

Thanks to the updated collective labor agreement – which allows employees to receive reimbursement for more than one mode of transport – colleagues could choose and declare their mode of travel per day. Occasional public transport use is now reimbursed as well. As a result, for the first time, we have real usage data from more than 12,000 employees. These data give us better insight into travel patterns and enable targeted incentives.

Targeted incentives and rewards

With these new insights, 2025 was the first year we could actively encourage and reward colleagues for sustainable travel choices. Employees who cycled more often received a 50 euro voucher for bicycle accessories. 15 colleagues also tested an e-bike for a month free of charge, without needing to purchase one. Small, practical rewards that contribute to comfort and enjoyment.

Green network

When it comes to sustainability, the future of our planet, and our health, we believe that everyone can and must take responsibility – that we achieve more together than alone, and that we must think big, but act now. Many colleagues already do exactly that.

In 2025, more than 650 colleagues were active in the Groene Netwerk (Green Network), and various Green Teams worked on sustainable initiatives and projects throughout UMC Utrecht.

Expedition Green and Healthy 2025

To inspire colleagues across UMC Utrecht and highlight impactful initiatives, we organized Expedition Green and Healthy 2025 for our colleagues. This third edition was a success with 25 activities, over 150 participants, and an abundance of stories from colleagues with a green and justice-minded heart.

Cellulose Pad Challenge: lasting reduction in the OR

From January through March 2025, colleagues in the Operating Room launched the Cellulose Pad Challenge. Many enthusiastic colleagues set to work more consciously, and with impressive results: the use of disposable cellulose pads in the operating room was reduced by 75 percent. A follow-up evaluation six months later showed that the reduction was permanent. We compared usage from April through August 2025 with the same months in 2023 and 2024 and saw an extraordinary outcome: a 79 percent reduction in cellulose pads.

Internal marketplace for reuse

In 2025, we launched our internal marketplace, where colleagues can offer items no longer needed in their department for reuse elsewhere in UMC Utrecht. Through this platform, cabinets, sofas, binders, and equipment have already found new homes, reducing unnecessary waste and avoiding the purchase of new products.

Support for Green Teams

We support our Green Teams as effectively as possible through knowledge sharing, workshops, and tailored advice. We also collaborate with other university medical centers to strengthen Green Teams. In 2025, for example, we launched the Green Team Checklist, enabling Green Teams to easily track project progress and clearly see which steps are essential for success.