Healthy environment
We are making clear commitments designed to keep the communities around us sustainable and healthy.
On the path to net‑zero
We are on a mission to help people live healthier lives while minimizing our own carbon footprint.
Investing in renewable energy to support emissions reduction
In 2023, we made our first ever virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA). Through a 15-year, 250-megawatt agreement, UnitedHealth Group will purchase clean energy — enough to power nearly 54,000 U.S. homes — generated by the solar facility and receive the renewable energy certificates (RECs) through 2039.
In addition, we invested $81 million in the Tres Bahias solar project — the largest project of its kind in Calhoun County, Texas.
Read more about our renewable energy investments.
Reducing waste, water and paper
We continue working to reduce our footprint by transitioning to a digital-first health system with less paper usage, piloting new and innovative approaches to long-term waste management and prevention, and reducing our water usage in water-stressed regions of the world.
In 2023, we eliminated single-use plastic bottle sales from our cafes and on-site stores within UnitedHealth Group control.
- ~ 225K plastic bottles eliminated across 25 sites.
Responding to the impacts of a changing climate
Climate change poses health risks. And the effects of a changing climate — worsening air quality, frequent and severe weather events, extreme temperatures — impact us all, but are felt most acutely by the communities least equipped to manage them.
In 2023, our Global Crisis Management team responded to natural disasters including Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Hillary, ice storms in the southern central U.S. and wildfires in Hawaii. Member support efforts during these disasters included:
- Allowing early refills of prescription medications.
- Waiving prior authorizations.
- Facilitating early replacement of durable medical equipment.
- Providing complimentary access to the Optum Emotional Support Line to impacted communities.
- Arranging support for members in need during evacuation and facility transfers.
Environmental compliance documents
Corporate Environmental Policy
CDP Climate Change Questionnaire 2023
Trade association engagement
UnitedHealth Group letter to U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Next up
Our people and culture
Building a diverse culture that supports and develops our people and earns the best talent.
Read more