New York hospital and EPA sign green contract

Stony Brook University Hospital pledged to reduce its environmental impact through a comprehensive agreement with the EPA.

By Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency August 26, 2009

Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, N.Y., is the first hospital in the United States to sign a "green" agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ), according to a recent press release . The agreement outlines goals and strategies for energy and water conservation, solid waste management, green design, and the use of environmentally friendly products. Stony Brook University Hospital will track the results of these efforts and submit reports to EPA every six months.

The following are highlights of the agreement regarding building construction and MEP systems. Among many other sustainable measures, the hospital will:

• Join EPA’s Energy Star program, which offers technical assistance for audits, benchmarking and reduction plans, and strive to reduce energy by 10%.
• Design all new facilities to meet the U.S. Green Building Council LEED silver standard.
• Consider the use of coal combustion products, where appropriate, in future construction projects. The use of coal combustion products in place of Portland cement significantly reduces energy use, carbon dioxide emissions, and concrete costs.
• Use clean construction equipment that reduces pollution from conventional diesel fuel-powered construction vehicles and equipment by requiring the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel or best available pollution control retrofit technologies.
• Install WaterSense products where possible in the renovation or upgrade of existing buildings as well as in new buildings, and install low flow toilets and faucets in new construction and renovations. WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, certifies toilets, faucets, and irrigation equipment that use at least 20% less water than conventional products.

EPA has similar agreements in place with several sports, retail, and educational facilities in New York and New Jersey.

Steps for hospitals to achieve Energy Star status

Improving efficiency in hospitals