May 10, 2005
U-M Hospitals and Health Centers awarded for environmental leadership
Setting the standard for environmental performance in health care
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May 10, 2005 U-M Hospitals and Health Centers awarded for environmental leadership Setting the standard for environmental performance in health care |
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ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers received the premier national recognition of environmental innovation in health care for its work in reducing waste, virtually eliminating mercury and minimizing the use of toxic products. The U-M Hospitals and Health Centers was one of five Michigan hospitals and eight facilities across the country to win the 2005 Environmental Leadership Award for setting the highest standard of environmental performance in health care. Hospitals for a Healthy Environment, an organization that aims to help health care facilities enhance their work place safety, reduce waste and waste disposal costs and become better environmental stewards, gave the award. The UMHHC received this award for strengthening its environmentally preferable purchasing program by working with its interior design group to set a standard for healthy products, including recycled content-containing and environmentally preferable carpets, wall coverings, paper and wastebaskets. A chemical tracking system also identifies opportunities for chemical sharing, which reduces hazardous waste. In addition, the UMHHC donation program grew in 2004 to include furniture, medical supplies, cell phones, mattresses and eyeglasses. The comprehensive recycling program captured 934.5 tons of paper in 2004 and the M-Bay Web site allows staff to post furniture, equipment and supplies to “swap” within the institution, which serves as a model for similar programs across the country. “These hospitals are leading the national movement for sustainable health care,” said Laura Brannen, director of Hospitals for a Healthy Environment. “They are setting the example for others to follow.” Recipients of this award stand out because of their pioneering efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the health care industry by implementing innovative programs that set industry standards for waste reduction and pollution prevention. More information: U-M Health System Safety Management Services U-M Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Hospitals for a Healthy Environment
Written by Jessica Soulliere |
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