"Acts of Green" by Lourdes
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Lourdes has a Stewardship of the
Environment Committee which meets monthly. They work to
lead Lourdes in our effort to protect resources and avoid waste and
harm to the environment in which we live and work.
Lourdes "Acts of Green"
- Recycling Program
Bins are placed in strategic locations around the hospital.
We encourage associates to recycle aluminum cans, plastic bottles,
juice and milk bottles, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, non-HIPAA
paper, and tissue and glove boxes.
- Cafeteria begins to go green
Morrison's Food Service has started to convert from Styrofoam to
bio-degradable materials for take-out containers. Reusable
cups are sold to associates to obtain discounted
coffee/drinks.
- Energy Savings
Associates were reminded to shut off lights when areas were not
occupied, use power save features on equipment, etc., resulting in
a 9% reduction in energy costs at Lourdes in 2009, as compared with
2008 equaling a $200,000 saving.
- Consumable Recycling Program
Lourdes implemented recycling of printer cartridges,
electronics, and batteries.
- E-Pay System
Lourdes associates do not receive paper pay stubs; all associates
access the information online.
- Reducing our Carbon Footprint
Lourdes participates in the GreenRide program and gives
associates incentives to join. Bike racks are located at the
entrances of the hospital for those who choose to bike to work
instead of drive.
- Green Building
Practices
Lourdes met with architects regarding GREEN build for the Mission 2012
project. Opportunities were explored for flooring, lighting,
and green space that would enhance Lourdes Master Facility
Plan.
- Recycling Program Assessed
Consultant assessments were completed by two vendors.
Two recycle companies completed assessments of Lourdes current
practices in Environmental Services and Office Services to
determine further recycling and conservation opportunities.
- Recycled Instrumentation Program
The Emergency Department (ED) adopted a recycled
instrumentation program. The ED now uses a vendor that sells
recycled instrumentation for minor procedures in the ED.
- Operating Room is converting to stainless steel basin
sets, trays, and med cups.
Reusable stainless steel basin sets, trays, and medication
cups will replace disposable plastics items that are difficult and
costly to dispose.
- Stewardship of the Environment Website
This internal Website contains information for Lourdes Associates
such as meetings minutes, tip of the month, ideas for protecting
the environment, etc.
- Consulting with Binghamton University
Lourdes began working with the Director of Environmental
Stewardship at Binghamton University who has been providing
consultation to Lourdes on our Stewardship program and sharing
insights about enhancing our programs.
- Discontinue the Use of Bottled Water
Lourdes catering has discontinued providing bottled water
to events and meetings catered by Lourdes.
