Abington, PA (Vocus) February 6, 2010
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-Office of Energy and Technology Development has awarded two grants to Abington Memorial Hospital in support of its efforts to “Think Green.?
Three million dollars was awarded to Abington Memorial Hospital 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.?
In October 2006, the Pennsylvania EPA recognized Abington Memorial Hospital by presenting it with the Trailblazer Award for the hospital?s environmental leadership in taking positive steps to reduce waste, improve indoor air quality and invest in reusable rather than disposable products.
For more information about Abington Memorial Hospital?s green initiatives, please visit http://www.amh.org/ThinkGreen.
About Abington Memorial Hospital
Abington Memorial Hospital is a 665-bed, acute care teaching hospital with a medical staff of more than 900 physicians and 5,600 employees. These professionals provide medical care and health services to residents of Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
A regional provider, Abington Memorial Hospital has the only Level II accredited trauma center in Montgomery County and offers highly specialized services in cardiac care, cancer care, neurosciences, orthopaedics and maternal/child health.
Contact:
Linda Millevoi
215-481-8966
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