Advocate Trinity Hospital, 2320 E. 93rd Street, in Chicago, has received the Partner for Change award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care.
The Partner for Change award is presented to hospitals that continuously improve waste reduction and recycling programs. Winning facilities must demonstrate successful recycling programs, that they have reduced regulated medical waste, are on track to eliminate mercury and have developed successful sustainability programs in many areas.
“Our role in building a healthier community extends beyond traditional medical services because we understand the critical relationship between good health and the environment, particularly the quality of our air and water,” says Rashard Johnson, President of Advocate South Suburban and Advocate Trinity Hospitals. “As we continue to address the clinical needs of our patients and the surrounding community, we will also keep an eye on recycling, conserving energy and other steps to help minimize Advocate South Suburban’s environmental impact today as well as in the future for generations to come.”
In health care, sustainability means eliminating mercury, reducing and recycling solid waste, cutting down on regulated and chemical waste, lowering energy and water consumption, sourcing food and products sustainably, and establishing green purchasing policies.
Advocate Trinity is part of Advocate Aurora Health, which received Practice Greenhealth’s System for Change Award. This award recognizes health systems that are working across hospitals and facilities to set and meet goals related to sustainability — from reducing energy use to increasing recycling to establishing green building practices. In addition to the System for Change Award, every eligible acute care hospital across the health system earned individual honors for green efforts.
“Delivering the highest quality care to our patients and communities is deeply intertwined with the health of the environment,” says Mary Larsen, director of environmental affairs and sustainability for Advocate Aurora Health. “Reducing our environmental footprint and contributing to a healthier environment is crucial to helping people live well now and for generations to come.”
In January, Advocate Aurora Health pledged to power its health care operations with 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030.
“As more and more hospitals embed sustainability into their operations, the bar for environmental excellence increases every year,” said Gary Cohen, president of Practice Greenhealth. “Advocate Aurora Health demonstrates the kind of leadership, innovation and performance that can drive the entire health sector toward more environmentally responsible practices.”