IU Health Bolsters Its ‘Green Side’

Indiana University Health is launching several initiatives aimed at reducing energy use and enhancing sustainability efforts at its Indianapolis downtown hospitals and other facilities across the state.

Hospitals are 24/7 operations with ongoing high utility costs, waste generation and consumption of resources. To improve efficiency and lower costs, IU Health is broadening sustainability efforts that span its 16-hospital, 34,000-employee statewide system. A $2 million investment will install thousands of energy-efficient LED lights in six Central Indiana hospitals in 2019, saving over $500,000 a year on electric bills. Additional projects will create a recycling program for employees, reduce electrical costs through an energy-savings partnership with Indianapolis Power & Light, construct new buildings to LEED standards for energy efficiency and sustainability, and minimize internal use of foam and paper cups and other consumables.

“There are many opportunities for hospitals to operate in more sustainable ways while maintaining a high level of patient care. Not only will the environment be well-served, but the savings and efficiencies will translate into gains for patients. IU Health is committed to a sustainability initiative that will expand in scope in 2019 and span its statewide system,” said Rick Hood, vice president of system support services at IU Health.