Mark Lestina: Sustainability Manager
March 31, 2009
Mark Lestina has been helping The University of Chicago Medical Center save money and conserve resources since 2004, first as a contractor, and now as Sustainability Manager for the Medical Center. Mark strategizes to cut waste, increase recycling and implement more environmentally-friendly purchasing policies. He heads the Medical Center's Sustainability Council, which brings together multiple department representatives to strategize on implementing more cost-cutting and environmentally friendly initiatives. One of Mark's biggest successes is a plastics recycling initiative in the OR. Roughly 500 pounds of plastic and packaging waste are diverted from landfill every day because of the staff efforts in the operating rooms.
But the Medical Center doesn’t just cut waste. Currently about 90 percent of its cleaning supplies have Green Seal certification and the Environmental Services department recently purchased an automated floor scrubber that uses 60 percent less water and chemicals. Changes like these are more important than ever, since purchasing choices and other behaviors positively impact the “bottom line” and our environment.
Mark's arrival is timely as construction is about to begin on the New Hospital Pavilion which is slated to open in three years. The building is seeking LEED Silver certification, meeting standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. By working towards LEED certification, "There will be more excitement and awareness from senior level managers on the environmental and financial benefits of certification," said Lestina. His future goals include LEED certification for all Medical Center buildings. Elizabeth Lockwood, a LEED Accredited Professional who works in the Medical Center's Facilities, Design & Construction Department, adds, "Obtaining certification will recognize the choices we've made to be good stewards of our present and future resources."
Looking towards the next few years at the Medical Center, Mark sees publicity as his biggest challenge. Mark is delighted to be partnering with the University’s Sustainability Office since "We all have one common sustainability goal." With the University's environmental programs expanding, Mark is looking for volunteers to join his Sustainability Council. If interested, Mark Lestina can be reached at Mark.Lestina@uchospitals.edu, 773-834-0685.
