Wednesday, June 15, 2016
In recognition of its emphasis on environmental sustainability, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak has been selected by Practice Greenhealth to receive its Top 25 Environmental Excellence Award.
Practice Greenhealth is a national nonprofit founded on the principles of positive environmental stewardship and best practices for health care organizations.
“As a health care provider with thousands of people visiting our campus each day,” said Kay Winokur, vice president, Quality and Professional Services and Green Team corporate lead, “It makes sense that we take an interest in being environmentally-friendly. It’s the right thing to do for our patients, visitors and team members.”
The Green Team at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, is comprised of 700 employees who volunteer their time to implement cost-effective solutions that reduce waste, conserve energy, educate co-workers on conservation and direct them to educational resources on environmental issues.
To be recognized as one of Practice Greenhealth’s Top 25, health care institutions must demonstrate innovation in sustainability and provide examples about how these principles are embedded in their culture.
To that end, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak takes pride in the following Green initiatives:
- 68 percent of all beverages served are considered “healthier”
- 23 percent of all food served is local and sustainable
- on-site farmers market, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Thursday, June 2 through Oct. 6
- surplus food donation
- teaching garden for occupational therapy patients
- medication and sharps take-back program
- mercury-free environment
- 84 percent of cleaning supplies are deemed “greener”
- significantly reduced use of fire retardant furniture
Other notable hospitals that made the list, include Cleveland Clinic, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Yale-New Haven Hospital.
“As a leader in the communities we serve, it’s important to be good stewards of the environment,” Winokur said. “With 700 green officers on campus, we have a large team to help advance our efforts to create an atmosphere that’s healing and healthy. We’ve made great strides and have set additional green goals for the future.”