Omer Cabuk appointed Chief Decarbonization Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals

In a groundbreaking move, NYC Health + Hospitals has announced the appointment of Omer Cabuk, ME, as its inaugural Chief Decarbonization Officer.

This pioneering role marks a significant milestone in the health system’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

Cabuk, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in energy management and sustainability, will lead the organization’s decarbonization initiatives. His extensive background includes managing energy-efficient projects, optimizing utilities budgets, and implementing innovative electrification and renewable energy solutions.

As Chief Decarbonization Officer, Cabuk will collaborate with leadership teams, capital project leads, facilities management staff, and other stakeholders to embed energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy initiatives into the organization’s policy, operations, and capital planning.

His strategic approach will focus on fostering a culture of sustainability, enhancing workforce development, and empowering team members to contribute to the health system’s environmental objectives.

This appointment builds upon the health system’s Climate Resiliency Plan, announced last week, which aims to reduce environmental impacts, enhance energy reliability, improve public health, and ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Cabuk’s experience and expertise will be instrumental in driving forward the decarbonization agenda and achieving the organization’s ambitious carbon reduction targets.

“Omer has worked tirelessly on the essential work of decarbonization and sustainability at our facilities,” said Manuel Saez, PhD, Vice President of the Office of Facilities Development at NYC Health + Hospitals.

“This new role shows NYC Health + Hospitals’ commitment to providing the best possible care for our community by ensuring resiliency throughout the system.”

“Omer Cabuk’s appointment as Chief Decarbonization Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals marks a pivotal moment in our city’s fight against climate change,” said Sana Barakat, Department of Citywide Administrative Services Deputy Commissioner for Energy Management, and the City’s Chief Decarbonization Officer.

“We are committed to building a healthier, more resilient future for all New Yorkers, and ensuring that our facilities not only meet, but exceed our carbon reduction targets.”

Cabuk expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am deeply honored to continue advancing our sustainability initiatives, driving forward the decarbonization agenda, and leveraging innovative electrification and renewable energy technologies to reduce our emissions further. I am excited to collaborate with our dedicated teams to not only meet but exceed our carbon footprint reduction goals, adhere to New York City sustainability mandates, and achieve operational cost efficiencies.”

With Cabuk at the helm, NYC Health + Hospitals is poised to make significant strides in its decarbonization efforts, setting a precedent for other healthcare organizations to follow.