Environ Speaks About Industrial Decarbonization Benefits to Healthcare Professionals

Oct 28, 2024

Environ Speaks About Industrial Decarbonization Benefits to Healthcare Professionals

Industrial Decarbonization Explained: Turning Efforts into Savings and Recognition.

Making the switch to clean energy leads to environmental and economic advantages. Companies that embrace industrial decarbonization improve their brand’s reputation, receive financial incentives, and reduce operational costs all while combating climate change. Creating a decarbonization plan is the first step to unlock these benefits for your organization.

Environ Sustainability Experts Explain the Benefits of Decarbonization in the Healthcare Sector

In the first of a series of webinars on decarbonization benefits in the healthcare sector, Environ Energy had the honor of speaking to members of the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) an organization dedicated to optimizing the healthcare-built environment. Respected industry veterans, Environ President of Sustainability, Jennifer Kearney, and Environ Director of the New York Division, Chris Recine discussed industrial decarbonization’s long-term positive effects on an organization. View the Webinar Here

What is a Decarbonization Plan?

A decarbonization plan outlines strategies and actions an organization takes to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations, working toward the goal of a low-carbon or net-zero carbon future.

Key objectives include identifying carbon-intensive areas, setting measurable targets for emission reductions, and plans for adopting clean energy solutions, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices.

 Why is an Industrial Decarbonization Plan Important or Required?

As the threat of climate change grows, the government has put laws and regulatory requirements (e.g. New York City’s Local Law 97, Clean Energy Acts) into place to ensure that corporations, healthcare institutions, and energy intensive industries like manufacturing and technology are held accountable for their carbon emissions and given a path to become good stewards in their communities which is good business and allows organizations to:

– Meet corporate sustainability goals.

– Improve brand reputation.

– Attract environmentally-conscious consumers.

– Unlock financial incentives and avoid carbon penalties.

– Reduce operational costs through energy efficiency.

– Combat climate change by reducing carbon footprints.

Key Elements to a Successful Industrial Decarbonization Plan

In this webinar, attendees learned the key steps toward reducing a company’s carbon footprint, which includes creating a plan. Environ recently wrote about the “8 Steps to Begin Your Decarbonization Plan,” and Environ covered those steps in-depth for healthcare professionals.

The elements of a successful decarbonization plan are as follows:

1. Establish an energy management team.

2. Complete an emissions inventory and establish a baseline

3. Conduct a facility assessment.

4. Assess risk and mitigation.

1. Establish an Energy Management Team

An energy management team is the single most important asset in developing and implementing a successful energy or sustainability program. Each member of this team will fall into at least one of four categories: responsible, accountable, consulted, informed. Job titles include everything from boards of foundations and the C-Suite, to clinical staff, engineering and construction, human resources, IT and others. Everyone plays a role in sustainability for an organization. 

2. Complete an Emissions Inventory and Establish a Baseline

Data Collection and Integrity:

– Determine the appropriate level of detail – i.e.  submeter level, meter level, utility account level.

– Account for all energy sources – Inventory all energy consumed on site (electricity, gas, steam, fuel oil).

– Document all energy uses – Assemble energy bills, meter readings, and other use data.

– Collect facility and operational data – Collect non-energy related data such as building size, operating hours, etc. data.

Benchmarking:

– Establish a base year or an average of several historical years use the most complete and relevant sets of data available. Identify metrics such as Btu/patient day, Energy Star Benchmark Score, and others, and publish baselines to key stakeholders.

3. Conduct a Facility Assessment

– Define known issues or deferred maintenance, operational goals, current capital plan, history on past capital and efficiency projects. Review prior assessment data, complete an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit and prepare a series of outputs as a result including costs, rebates/tax incentives, savings analysis with CO2e reduction and more. Environ can help you list all the critical tasks and outputs.

4. Risk Mitigation

Identify relevant regulations including local, state, federal and international regulations that apply to building performance standards. This includes energy efficiency, emissions, safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards. Conduct a risk assessment for potential financial penalties, operational disruption, and reputational damage for being non-compliant. Consider future regulations and plan for ongoing regulatory change.

Final Decarbonization Report and Steps to Gain Recognition

Now that you have done the work and have an energy management plan backed by best practices to meet carbon reduction goals – it is time to gain savings and recognition for your efforts. Reach out to Environ to help you. Environ is the leading energy management and sustainable solutions company for healthcare facilities and hospitals in the U.S.

With all the data gathered and a decarbonization report made, healthcare systems earn certifications and awards for being environmentally responsible.

1. Submit data to global platforms such as the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) or Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

2. Earn certifications like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM), or ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to validate efforts.

3. Participate in Award Programs including Energy Star Partner of the Year, Green Building Awards, and Energy Star EUI Benchmarking.

– Complete industry pledges such as the HHS pledge, NYSIF Grant, or Joint Commission Sustainable Health Certificate. Environ customer Hackensack Meridian is the nation’s first to achieve the Joint Commission Sustainable Healthcare Certificate. Ask us how we can help your hospital system get certified.

4. Share your success through media, case studies, and conferences.

Transitioning to clean energy offers both sustainable and financial benefits for your business. By adopting industrial decarbonization, companies not only strengthen their brand reputation but also gain financial incentives and lower operational costs, all while contributing to the fight against climate change. Now is the time to develop a decarbonization plan and unlock these transformative advantages for your organization.