The Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis., projects that before the end of the year it will achieve total energy independence, making it the first U.S. healthcare system to do so, according to an article on the Health Facility Management website.
The system includes four hospitals and about 75 medical and specialty clinics serving patients in three states.
Gunderson started its "Envision" program to provided a broad strategy to offset its energy consumption through conservation and renewable energy projects, most involving local businesses. Its conservation measures have reached $2 million in annual energy savings.
The result is an estimated $5.4 million and 446 billion Btu of fossil fuel saved since 2008 through conservation efforts and an estimated $2.1 million and 137 billion Btu generated from renewable power sources.
The Health Facilities Management article discusses the "Envision" program with Gundersen CEO, Jeffrey E. Thompson, M.D.
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