WINDSOR — Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center has been honored with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification for performing in the top 25 percent of all hospitals nationwide for energy efficiency, and meeting strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.
“Earning the ENERGY STAR certification has been a true team effort, and we’re honored to accept this recognition of our work to make Mt. Ascutney Hospital more energy efficient,” said CEO and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Perras, in a press release. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship, lowered our energy costs, and provided a better healing environment for our patients, with our spaces lit and climate controlled to industry best practices.”
After receiving a mid-level ENERGY STAR score of 57 out of 100 four years ago, Mt. Ascutney set about to improve its score through a close collaboration with representatives of Efficiency Vermont. The team developed a hospital-wide plan to address interior and exterior lighting, HVAC systems, and building management controls. The medical center increased its score from 57 to 83, placing it in the top 25 percent of hospitals nationwide, and distinguishing it as the highest scoring ENERGY STAR designated Vermont hospital.
“Efficiency Vermont was honored to provide Mt. Ascutney with technical support and incentives to help them achieve this impressive ENERGY STAR score,” said Efficiency Vermont Director Karen Glitman. “The real winners are the patients; lower energy costs contribute to more affordable healthcare. Improved lighting and comfort can support positive health outcomes.”
Major projects implemented by Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Care Center include upgrading of hospital lighting to more efficient LED technologies for both interior and exterior locations, installation of a data analytics software tool that helps contractors and hospital staff implement controls optimization and achieve setback savings.These tools also uncovered additional areas of energy opportunity in the hospital, installation of Phase 1 of a hospital wide chilled water system, and retro-commissioning efforts are ongoing to continue to optimize systems and equipment in the hospital.
According to Perras, ensuring energy efficiency is an ongoing effort. “We’ve made great progress, but as we know from our work as healers, technologies and practices continue to advance,” he said. “We always strive to do better, and we remain committed to a continuing focus on reducing our use of energy. The benefits are enormous, for our organization and for those we serve.”
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