(Strathroy, ON) – The Province of Ontario introduced the Green Hospital Scorecard program in 2013. Under this program, Hospitals are able to achieve Green Hospital Awards based on performance in different categories and by Hospital peer groups.
Starting in 2015, the MHA made a commitment to work toward energy reduction and efficiency at both of its sites. Beyond reduced operating costs, there are many benefits that result from improved energy efficiency: more comfortable spaces for patients and staff, producing fewer polluting emissions, etc. A. Smith, MHA VP Finance & CFO commented that, “both the Strathroy and Four Counties sites are demonstrating strong leadership in becoming more energy efficient. MHA will continue to explore additional opportunities to be leaders in energy reduction”.
For the 2017 Green Hospital Awards year (for 2016 data) the MHA is the proud recipient of two Awards.
The energy awards are sponsored by the Independent Electricity System Operators and are presented to sites with the highest energy improvement scores within their respective peer group. These scores are based on energy consumption, energy use intensity, conservation policies, targets, and action plans.
Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital achieved the top score for Small Community Hospitals in the energy category. SMGH demonstrated reductions in use of Gas by 14% from 2013 to 2016 and Hydro by 5% for the same period.
The water awards are sponsored by CHES (Canadian Health Engineering Society) Ontario and are presented to sites with the highest water use improvement scores within their respective peer group. Top performing sites are determined by water consumption (scaled for building size and number of beds). The “water scores” are also improved by having in place water conservation policies, targets, and action plans. Four Counties Health Services achieved the top score for Small Hospitals in the Water category. FCHS demonstrated reductions in the use of Water by 33% from 2013 to 2017.
MHA President & CEO T. Stepanuik stated that, “MHA takes great pride in making a serious commitment to achieving a greener and more sustainable future”. He went on to add that, “we are proud to be a recipient of two Green Hospital Awards. This recognition honours our commitment to energy conservation and continuous effort to benchmark energy performance and maximize energy efficiency”.