Source: Lancaster General Press ReleaseLancaster General Hospital (LGH) is the only hospital in Pennsylvania and one of only 12 hospitals in the United States to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) prestigious ENERGY STAR designation to date in 2010.
This national mark of excellence in energy performance means LGH performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency. The hospital received an overall rating of 76 on an energy efficiency scale of zero to 100.
"In 2009, with looming electrical deregulation and the uncertainty of healthcare reform, we decided to initiate a major review of the hospital's infrastructure with ENERGY STAR in mind," said John Hartman, senior director, Facilities Management, LGH. "We partnered with GE and other business partners to perform an intense three-day energy 'treasure hunt' uncovering more than 100 opportunities for improvement."
Commercial buildings earning the ENERGY STAR, or label, use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. LGH improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to the hospital.
With leadership team support, LGH took on the ENERGY STAR challenge and has set the goal of reducing energy consumption by 10 percent. A variety measures led to success:
"Using ENERGY STAR benchmarking gave us easy access to the tools and resources EPA provides that are needed to measure our facilities,” said Larry Dunn, director, Facilities Management. “We look forward to carrying out our energy reduction initiatives while providing a safe, sustainable environment for our patients, families, visitors and staff."
To continue reading the article, click here.
Developed a lighting control and water conservation program
Re-insulated piping to prevent heat loss
Identified opportunities to recycle water sources and implemented a steam trap replacement program
Replaced a 1964 low-efficiency chiller (air and equipment cooling system) with a higher efficiency
Collaboration with hospital colleagues to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption in individual areas.
Re-insulated piping to prevent heat loss
Identified opportunities to recycle water sources and implemented a steam trap replacement program
Replaced a 1964 low-efficiency chiller (air and equipment cooling system) with a higher efficiency
Collaboration with hospital colleagues to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption in individual areas.
"Using ENERGY STAR benchmarking gave us easy access to the tools and resources EPA provides that are needed to measure our facilities,” said Larry Dunn, director, Facilities Management. “We look forward to carrying out our energy reduction initiatives while providing a safe, sustainable environment for our patients, families, visitors and staff."
To continue reading the article, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment