Leading from the Front

It’s not easy to drive change, but Crothall Healthcare is leading from the front. Crothall has implemented an industry-changing program to drastically reduce carbon emissions, improve the patient experience, and lower costs at a New York City hospital.

It started with a challenge from the city’s mayor who asked businesses to reduce carbon emissions 40% by 2030. That is a massive undertaking for any business but an even greater challenge for a 16-building 5,000,000 square-foot hospital campus. “From a patient standpoint, we are better able to condition our buildings and make them comfortable,” said Hariegel. “By improving the equipment, we have more control of our energy use and gain the ability to customize facilities management solutions for our patients.”

“Hospitals use a lot of energy,” said Chris Hariegel, Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), Regional Vice President at Crothall Healthcare, Facilities Management. “With 24/7 operations, it can be difficult to find ways to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy usage. That’s why Crothall’s work with the client is such an innovative program. They are setting the standard for carbon-emission reduction in healthcare.”

The hospital is already halfway to its carbon reduction goal for 2030, having reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20% since the program launched. Recently, the Association of Energy Engineers recognized the program with its Institutional Energy Management Regional Award.

It started with an understanding of the buildings and how disparate engineering systems work together. Once the organization fully recognized the opportunity, Crothall hired a full-time energy manager. The team has since grown to seven staff members who collect data and analyze the efficiency of the hospital’s systems.

The team used the data to review processes and equipment to find operational improvements, carbon reduction and financial savings opportunities. Initially, Crothall estimated the program would save $72 million over 25 years, with investments in the early years eating up some of the savings. Turns out, the program was cash positive within the first year.

And it’s not just about finances. The hospital is creating sustainable solutions for the community and finding new ways to improve the patient experience. While this hospital is at the forefront of carbon reductions in healthcare, they are not on this journey alone. “Partnership is important,” said Hariegel. “They trust us to do the job and do it right, but the work is not over. We need to actively manage the program or the gains will fade away. But, with focused efforts, we can continue to improve efficiency and sustainability.”

Hospitals across the country are taking notice as they look for ways to create sustainable practices. In some cases, government regulations are guiding the way. In others, hospitals are recognizing the financial and environmental impact of these initiatives.

“This kind of innovation in our facilities management solutions can really make a big difference for our clients and the communities they serve,” says Compass One Healthcare CEO Bobby Kutteh. “I think there will be many hospitals facing the same challenges as they are asked to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage by increasingly environmentally conscious officials.”

The client and Crothall are working together to lead from the front and charting a new course.