Solar panels on one of Sunnybrook's parking garages
Hospital recognized as One of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2013
Thanks to the hard work of its staff and a significant number of innovative green programs, Sunnybrook was announced today as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2013. This is the fifth year that Sunnybrook has earned the title.
"We are so proud to earn this recognition for the fifth year in a row," says Laura Hough, Sunnybrook's Manager of Energy & Sustainability. "I think it really speaks to Sunnybrook's commitment to creating a more environmentally sustainable hospital environment."
Now in its seventh year and formally known as Canada's Most Earth-Friendly Employers, the national competition is organized by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes employers that are leaders in integrating environmental principles into their corporate culture and have developed environmentally friendly programs that are recognized not only within the facility but also throughout the community.
The hospital was chosen for these awards based on its unique environmental initiatives such as the Honeywell Energy and Facility Renewal program that is helping Sunnybrook reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 9,000 metric tons - an amount equivalent to taking 1,400 cars off of the road.
In addition, this year Sunnybrook launched its new Smart Energy Actions Program, which builds on the success of the Honeywell program. The Smart Energy Actions Program will focus on strategies to use energy more intelligently such as monitoring and targeting of our electricity use with digital energy metering and demand response applications to reduce the hospital's peak loads.
Other greening initiatives that are underway at Sunnybrook include:
Green Waste Management
Sunnybrook continues to introduce new waste management programs, including a new printer cartridge recycling program, enhanced recycling and reuse programs (and reduction initiatives) such as the reusable meal container program, cafeteria composting programs, use of environmentally friendly cleaning products as well as a new hydroclave waste sterilization system to treat biomedical waste on site.
Supporting Sustainable Commuting
Sunnybrook actively encourages transit, cycling, carpooling and car sharing through their partnership with Smart Commute, a company that helps employers promote different commuter choices. The Hospital has 15 bicycle lots, discounted transit passes, carpool zone for employees to connect with other commuters, and discounted car share membership which provide many options for staff as opposed to driving and parking their cars.
Employee Engagement
Sunnybrook actively encourages employees and volunteers to get involved in hospital greening initiatives through its department green champion program and events like the Earth Matters Showcase. Each year at the Earth Matters Showcase, staff and community are provided the opportunity to peruse exhibits featuring information on various green hospital initiatives and 'green' living resources and support.
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department, in consultation with Sunnybrook. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.