The anesthesiology team at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh has been recognized with the Maple Level Sustainable Unit Recognition Award for its Removal of Piped Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Project, an initiative aimed at reducing the hospital’s environmental impact.
The project was led by the anesthesia technicians at UPMC Children’s under the leadership of Rhiannon Bordenick, Manager of the Department of Anesthesia Specialties & Technicians, in collaboration with Cristina Roosen‑Marcos, MD, Operating Room Clinical Director; Isabela Angelelli, MD, Director of Clinical Operations for the Pediatric Sedation Service and Assistant Director of Engagement; and Julianna Watenpool, MSN, CRNA.
Together, the team undertook a comprehensive effort to remove piped nitrous oxide from surgical protocols at the hospital. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly greater than that of carbon dioxide, making its reduction a meaningful step toward more environmentally responsible healthcare practices. The Removal of Piped N2O Project is one of several sustainability initiatives our department has implemented to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the healthcare sector.
All award recipients will be formally recognized at the UPMC Center for Sustainability Town Hall on April 14, 2026. Following the recognition ceremony, the Center for Sustainability will share updates on UPMC’s system‑wide sustainability initiatives and host a question‑and‑answer session.