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OH earns 5th Energy Star Rating, saves $4.5M through energy efficiency

29/11/2024

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has earned its fifth Energy Star certification, with officials saying OH has saved more than $4.5 million over the last decade due to energy efficiency practices. According to a release from OH, participating healthcare facilities strive to obtain the Energy Star recognition threshold of 75 or higher. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital scored 77, meaning its Energy Use Index (EUI) is better than 77% of hospitals in the country. Only two other hospitals in Kentucky have been Energy Star recipients longer than Owensboro Health.

The Energy Star rating is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When work began in 2014 to improve its energy efficiency, Owensboro Health partnered with Trane energy specialists out of Louisville to find ways to save energy and reduce consumption.

“Since 2014, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has decreased energy consumption by 26.6%, which has led to a savings of $4,599,183,” said Joe Taylor, Executive Director of Facilities.

Austin Terry, HVAC mechanic, added, “Continuous energy efficiency improvements across the system, other hospitals, medical office buildings, and Healthplexes are being made.”

For example, OH is in the process of installing solar panels at the Henderson Healthplex. Once the solar technology installation is complete, the Henderson Healthplex facility can apply for Energy Star certification.

“Energy Star’s recognition strengthens trust among our patients, team members, and the communities we serve by reinforcing confidence in choosing an organization that prioritizes health and sustainable practices while delivering exceptional care,” the OH release says.

According to owensborotimes.com