Ottawa is a great town. It has Beavertails (not the actual animal tail, but a flat donut-like pastry of deliciousness), the Canal (where you can get Beavertails), Parliament Hill, and bonus, I was born there … the last bit’s not travel-guide-worthy, but nice to know. It was also the site chosen by the Canadian College of Health Leaders for the 2016 “Honouring Health Leadership” event on Sunday June 5.
This year, University Health Network is extremely pleased and proud to be the recipient of the College’s 2016 Energy & Environmental Stewardship Award. This well-recognized and respected award has not been seen at UHN since 2009, the very first year for this crucial category.
From the College’s website…
“The Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes a progressive healthcare organization that has implemented programs that demonstrate environmental responsibility through the reduction of energy usage, the preservation of natural resources and effective waste diversion solutions.”
Since 1999, UHN’s Energy & Environment department has led the hospital on a greener path by following its vision: “supporting patient care through a sustainable environment”. Through energy conservation, waste reduction, toxics stewardship, sustainable construction, environmentally preferable procurement, local food gardens (have you seen what’s happening at Bickle!)and green commuting, UHN continues to be a green leader in healthcare.
There is a reason we do what we do, other than kicks and giggles. Sustainability benefits us all in these three ways: environmentally, financially and by supporting wellbeing. Energy & Environment works with departments across UHN … Clinical and Administrative teams, Research, Facilities, Housekeeping, Pharmacy and more … to make buildings run more efficiently, educate, ensure compliance and help create a culture of sustainability. That’s everything … in a free range, organic nutshell.
A shout-out to the solid team that accepted the honours on behalf of UHN (and hopefully enjoyed a Beavertail along the way): Ed Rubinstein, Director – Environmental Compliance, Energy, and Sustainability; Scott McIntaggart, Senior Vice President, Executive Lead, TGH President’s Office; and Rudy Dahdal, Senior Director, Facilities & Redevelopment, PMH Administration. The real honour goes to every member of this organization that collaborates to care for patients and the planet at the same time. From top down to bottom up, the UHN community works towards a common green goal. Congratulations!
(Modified from our original story on UHN News.)
Talkin' Trash With UHN 