Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/19/2020 --Intermountain Healthcare is joining more than 100 community, civic, and businesses leaders as an inaugural signer of the Utah Climate and Clean Air Compact, which focuses on broad initiatives statewide to reduce its environmental footprint.
The system also announced it is projected to save nearly $1 million by the end of 2020 thanks to LED lighting upgrades at all of its facilities – one of many sustainability steps that is making care more affordable for patients.
The Utah Climate and Clean Air Compact encourages pioneering leadership and collaboration to find practical climate and clean air solutions. It emphasizes a nonpartisan approach to solve a wide range issues like health and wellbeing, the economy, and re-energizing rural communities.
"It's incredible how small changes in efficiency can mean big steps towards a sustainable and resilient future," said Glen Garrick, sustainability manager for Intermountain Healthcare. "Every dollar we save on energy is money we can focus on the health of our patients."
Three years ago, Intermountain began upgrading interior and exterior lighting to LEDs which use considerably less electricity than regular light bulbs. Thanks to a partnerships and grants from utilities like Rocky Mountain Power, Intermountain was able to do more upgrades at all of its hospitals and facilities.
New projections show these upgrades will save more than $952,000 by the end of this year. When retrofits are finished in 2021 those energy savings will top $1 million annually, enough electricity savings alone to power more than 1,470 homes.
"We see the impacts of poor air quality on our patients firsthand and we know bold steps and a steady, long-term commitment will make a difference," said Mikelle Moore, senior vice president and chief community health officer for Intermountain Healthcare. "As both the largest employer and a major healthcare provider in the state we have an opportunity to change our practices, influence others, and raise awareness. Together we can improve the health of our community."
These lighting upgrades are just one of many sustainability projects Intermountain is undertaking.
A key goal of Intermountain's sustainability efforts is to help improve air quality across the state because of its negative impact on the health of Utah residents.
The largest contributor to the state's air quality problems comes from vehicle exhaust. To combat this, Intermountain is in the process of converting 80 percent of its fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles by 2025.
In addition, Intermountain is exploring ways for some employees to work from home more often. In 2019, a work from home pilot program reduced caregiver driving miles by 3.2 million. That is expected to increase after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, since more caregivers have adjusted workflows allowing them to work remotely.
"We're fully committed to working with community partners to reach the goals set in the climate compact. We know from experience our communities can step up to these major challenges when we work together," said Moore.
About Intermountain Healthcare
Intermountain Healthcare is a not-for-profit system of 24 hospitals, 215 clinics, a Medical Group with 2,500 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a health insurance company called SelectHealth, and other health services in Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes and sustainable costs. For more information, see intermountainhealthcare.org.