Conservation

Energy

In 2010, AMH:

• Installed over 1,500 LED bulbs in exit signs, fire extinguisher indicator lamps, task lighting, and wall washing fixtures.
• Replaced T12 type ceiling fixtures with higher efficiency T8 fixtures.
• Reset space temperatures, limited thermostat adjustment ranges, installed occupancy sensors, set selected areas into occupied/unoccupied mode to vary the heating/cooling when unoccupied.
• Replaced old boiler at Warminster, with high efficiency boiler. Brought in natural gas feed to operate new boiler instead of oil.
• Installed electric hand dryers in selected bathrooms to eliminate paper towel use. Will continue as funds are available.
• Adjusted building automation system to maximize control over HVAC equipment.

In addition, the lighting retrofit project (paid for by grant money from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – see more information in Green Awards) is completed for the York Road, Freestanding and Levy garages. To date 17,821 pounds of steel, aluminum, light iron, transformers and copper have been recycled.

Plant Operations is currently working with lighting and electronics companies – such as Sylvania and Watt Stopper – to further expand the hospital’s energy-saving initiative, which will include installing more occupancy sensors and LED lamps throughout the organization. The department has also been exploring new energy-saving innovations, such as wind energy, solar energy and cogeneration technologies.

Additionally, Facilities Planning utilizes energy efficient windows – which reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain – in all of its construction. The department also employs “Free Cooling,” which uses mechanical systems designed to take advantage of outside air temperatures, where possible, for cooling and heating.

To further reduce energy, the Green Team ran an internal campaign directed at turning off lights, printers, computer monitors, and other high-energy consumers while not in use. A flyer reiterating the conservation of energy was sent out to the organization through email, and a sign was designed for individuals to place on their doors when they turn out their lights in order to save energy.

Water

AMH received a Certificate from WHEN for our participation in the “Water Bottle Challenge.” The Nutrition Department has saved approximately 35,000 bottles of water per year, by serving only pitchers of water at all catered events (which also saves roughly $7,000 per year).

Paper

Efforts have been made hospital-wide to reduce the amount of paper AMH uses everyday. Along with double-sided printing – also known as duplex printing, and standard on departmental printers hospital-wide – individual departments and units have been self-monitoring their paper usage and reducing unnecessary paper waste where they can. Due to duplex printing, AMH is purchasing 80 cases less per month, for a savings of approximately $29,000 per year.

In addition, Abington Health Center – Schilling Campus has improved their paper recycling efforts. The campus is now recycling more than 40 percent of all paper used.