Reaching the next level of decarbonization

Being green is something Penn Medicine takes seriously. The hospital system has switched to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, added variable-speed drives (VSDs) to HVAC equipment when possible, and replaced older chillers and recommissioned entire buildings to increase efficiency, among other things. The system even has entered into a power purchase agreement with a 220-megawatt solar power plant in central Pennsylvania.

All of those efforts are important in the system’s sustainability journey, but Kathleen Fink, energy manager at Penn Medicine, knows that discrete projects that cut emissions and save energy are just the most visible aspects of being green. Today, to be truly focused on sustainability, a health care facility must have a master plan in place, get all hospital departments involved, deal with municipal regulations, and manage downstream and upstream emissions. 

Read More

Related Resources

HFM Article
Developing a successful sustainable energy program
Taking account of current emissions helps to set the foundation for future energy efficiency investments
HFM Article
Environmental equity and the role of health care facilities
The effects of climate change, including natural disasters, are a public health issue of which many vulnerable communities bear the brunt
HFM Article
Developing a successful sustainable energy program
Taking account of current emissions helps to set the foundation for future energy efficiency investments
HFM Article
Navigating compliance in the pandemic era
ASHE focuses its advocacy on recent changes to codes and standards and long-term effects spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic
HFM Article
Member tools task force establishes top priorities
ASHE gets members involved in developing tools and resources to help address regulatory and other concerns
HFM Article
Sustainability to the fore in ASHE advocacy efforts
ASHE is creating new tools to help health care facilities meet growing trends around carbon reduction