DALLAS, Dec 3, 2015 — The leading pediatric health system in North Texas, Children’s Health℠, today announced it is on track to become the largest user of renewable electricity among pediatric health care providers in the U.S.
Starting in July 2016, approximately 25 percent of the system’s total electricity use, or 22,500 megawatt hours, will be backed by renewable energy credits to offset the environmental impact that otherwise would occur because of the use of non-renewable fossil fuels. This is equivalent to removing over 16 million pounds per year of carbon dioxide from the environment. For perspective, the average Texas home uses 14.5 megawatt-hours per year of electricity, so the commitment to renewable electricity is the same as more than 1,500 average Texas homes going 100 percent green.
“Our mission is to make life better for children, and we have a responsibility to help give children the right start in a healthy environment,” said Christopher J. Durovich, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Health. “Reducing our carbon footprint directly contributes to that mission and leaves a healthier planet for future generations.”
Children’s Health worked with its retail electricity provider TXU Energy and energy consulting firm Bridgevue Energy Services to put these energy saving goals into action.
“We started with the goal of being more socially responsible,” said Judson Orlando, senior director of facilities development and operations at Children’s Health. “With help from TXU Energy and Bridgevue Energy Services, we were able to secure a renewable energy mix of solar and wind power that was on par with conventional energy pricing, which will allow Children’s Health to focus on long-term sustainable solutions as the system continues to grow and expand.”
When implemented in 2016, Children’s Health will also be the second-largest health care system user of renewable energy in the nation and the largest in Texas, according to data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency. Children’s Health will continue to source the same amount of renewable energy—including offsite solar and wind—through June 2023.
Additionally in 2016, the hospital system is committed to identifying new ways to reduce overall energy consumption, improve waste management and source products made with sustainable, non-hazardous materials. The Children’s Health Sustainability Council, which includes representatives from a wide variety of positions and backgrounds within the organization, will continue to identify proactive ways for the system to create long-term goals for environmental sustainability.
“As leaders in health care, it makes sense for Children’s Health to take steps like these to protect the environment and, ultimately, everyone’s health,” Durovich said. “Our Sustainability Council will continue to look for ways to make us more efficient stewards of our natural resources in 2016 and beyond.”
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