South San Francisco, CA May 18, 2015 Submitted by Joe Fragola Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center has been recognized for the sixth time, receiving the “Partner for Change” Award by Practice Greenhealth. Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. The Award is one of Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards given each year to honor outstanding environmental achievements in the health care sector.
The Greenhealth “Partner for Change” Award recognizes Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco for continuously improving its environmental efforts, reducing water consumption by 9%, natural gas use by 8%, plus buying and using environmentally safe materials. Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco and the entire healthcare organization is continually looking at ways to be greener, because being green is the right thing to do.
“Once again, it is an honor to be recognized by Practice Greenhealth for our environmental stewardship,” said Martha Gilmore, Medical Group Administrator, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco. “I am proud of our Green Team and I am especially grateful for the work by our Engineering, Materials and Housekeeping staffs to support our environmental efforts. The teamwork at this medical center is remarkable. We’ve seen reductions in energy consumption per square foot, water use and stuff dumped in the landfill. We continue to focus on how we can improve our programs including providing information and tips to our employees so they can make the simple changes to reduce their carbon footprint both at home and at the medical center. ”
“In 2014 we made significant changes to the medical center, such as automated light sensors in the garage, upgraded heating and air conditioning systems, and new technology outdoor sprinklers with moisture monitoring systems,” says Gary Simms, Support Services Administrator. “These changes have made our facility more efficient, while enhancing the services of the facility for everyone.”
The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards were presented May 14th in Portland, Oregon, at the CleanMed Conference & Exhibition, the premier national environmental conference for leaders in health care sustainability.
Kaiser Permanente SSF has made adjustments that benefit our environment
Air Handler new technology highest efficiency for heating and cooling building
Sprinkler Control monitors water needed based upon weather and moisture
Garage lighting sensors automatically adjusts to light when needed
Toilet and faucets with automatic sensors to reduce water usage