Green Awards

Pennsylvania EPA Awards AMH Funding for Green Projects

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-Office of Energy and Technology Development has awarded two grants to AMH in support of its efforts to “Think Green.”

Three million dollars was awarded to AMH for a new cogeneration system to replace the hospital’s 45-year-old heating system.  This new system will save over $2 million a year in energy costs, and significantly reduce air contaminants and water usage.  It will generate 38 million kilowatt hours on-site, roughly 64 percent of the hospital’s electricity needs, while producing steam as a byproduct.

A $250,000 grant was awarded for the replacement of inefficient lighting technology with proven efficient long-lasting fluorescent tube technology in four parking garages at the hospital’s main campus.  Calculated savings include a reduction in electricity usage of 53 percent with accompanying emissions at the same rate.

"As a non-profit, we do as much environmentally conscious work as we can with very little budgeted dollars," says Meg McGoldrick, chief operating officer and member of the hospital's "Green Team." "These grants are a real shot in the arm for our green efforts." McGoldrick said State Representative Josh Shapiro was a strong advocate for the hospital's grant applications.

Shapiro says he is proud to have been able to help secure these grants to create 79 green jobs and reduce energy consumption and emissions in his district. "These grants will help boost our local economy and reduce the amount of air contaminants in our air and water sources, and decrease the hospital's demand for electricity," says Shapiro. "I commend Abington Memorial Hospital for their commitment to clean up our environment and energy efficiency."

AMH Wins Waste Watchers Award

Abington Memorial Hospital was recently recognized by The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) as one of the winners of the 2010 Waste Watchers Award. The Waste Watchers Award honors outstanding recycling, waste reduction, reuse and composting programs in Pennsylvania.

Nominated by Abington Township, AMH received the award for its multitude of efforts and programs dedicated to the environment, as well as reaching national best practices for its three main waste streams: recycling, municipal waste and red bag waste – a major benchmark for any healthcare facility.

This year over 60 municipalities, counties, private businesses, individuals and community organizations are being recognized by PROP for going above and beyond what is mandated by law for their communities or programs.

EPA Trailblazer Award

Shortly after the inception of the Green Team, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded AMH the Trailblazer Award for its environmental leadership. As its name implies, the award recognizes hospitals that are truly blazing the trail so that other hospitals may build on their successes and implement similar programs a bit more easily. AMH was one of four hospitals in the Delaware Valley to earn the inaugural award in 2006.

According to the EPA, AMH deserves credit for taking positive steps to reduce waste, improve indoor air quality, and invest in reusable rather than disposable products. AMH, along with other area hospitals, has brought together manufacturers, suppliers, group purchasing organizations and hospital executives to take advantage of their combined buying power in developing environmentally preferable purchasing.