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Hamilton Health Sciences’ energy projects recognized by Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Hamilton Health Sciences’ energy projects recognized by Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer

Aug 7th, 2008 6:24 AM

Hamilton Health Sciences’ energy projects recognized by Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer Hamilton, Ontario – Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) was recognized by Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer, for its leadership and long-term commitment to energy conservation as demonstrated by the hospital’s $48 million Energy Retrofit project. “Achieving energy efficiency is a hallmark of a well-managed organization,” said Love. “Companies and institutions that spend less on their energy bills have more resources to use in other areas, areas that better serve staff and community.” Two projects underway at HHS were highlighted. HHS’ Energy Retrofit project is the largest collection of energy projects implemented in a Canadian hospital. As a result of this retrofit, the hospital will save $48 million in energy costs over 10 years. Hamilton Health Sciences will also be able to implement significant infrastructure upgrades including the replacement of inefficient lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, and medical air and vacuum at the McMaster, Chedoke, Henderson and General sites. These upgrades complement capital development projects totaling $400 million, currently underway at all sites. “The concept for our retrofit project came about when we were trying to find money for some infrastructure upgrades,” said Alan Olinyk, Director of Engineering at HHS. “We enlisted the support of Johnson Controls LP. to lead the retrofit and we’re already realizing significant energy savings from improvements to lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling systems. The best part is that the cost of the improvements is offset by the energy and operational savings.” Additionally, HHS’ three onsite co-generation plants located at Hamilton General Hospital, McMaster University Medical Centre and Henderson General Hospital produce enough electricity to supply power to all three sites. During the busy summer season, the on-site generators could produce additional power to top up the area’s power grid. “These are investments with long-term cost savings and energy efficiencies in mind,” said Brenda Flaherty, Executive VP of Clinical Affairs at HHS. These energy upgrades not only help to create a greener environment for hospital patients, visitors and staff, but have also allowed HHS to cash in on energy rebate incentives. Union Gas was on hand to present Hamilton Health Sciences with a cheque for $200,000 to support programs implemented which have resulted in improved energy efficiency. “Union Gas' Energywise program directs investments into new and retrofitted energy efficient equipment, technologies, and training for large commercial industrial customers," says Mel Ydreos, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Care for Union Gas. "We are pleased to be a partner with Hamilton Health Sciences in their focus on energy efficiency and help lower its annual utility costs and annual natural gas consumption." The company also kicked off its home energy savings giveaway by offering energy savings kits to qualified natural gas customers. Johnson Controls LP., the company that provides HHS’ energy solutions and has guaranteed the costs associated with HHS’ energy upgrades, presented officials with a tree symbolizing a sustainable future for HHS. - 30 - For further information please contact: Melissa Macdonald Public Relations Specialist Hamilton Health Sciences (905) 521-2100, ext. 76090 macdonme@hhsc.ca Barton Sala Corporate Communications Ontario Power Authority (416) 969-6009 barton.sala@powerauthority.on.ca Hamilton Health Sciences is a family of five hospitals and a cancer centre, serving more than 2.3 million residents of Hamilton and central west Ontario. Hamilton Health Sciences is the second largest hospital in the province and the regional centre for burns, trauma, cardiac, stroke, neurosurgery, pediatrics, digestive diseases, high-risk obstetrics, cancer, orthopedics and rehabilitation services. With a staff of more than 10,000, the hospital is the largest employer in Hamilton. As an academic teaching hospital with more than 1,000 beds and an affiliation with McMaster University and Mohawk College, Hamilton Health Sciences is committed to providing exemplary health care for the people and communities it serves and advancing excellence in education and health research. The OPA is responsible for ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply of electricity for Ontario. Its four key areas of focus are: planning the power system for the long term, leading and coordinating conservation initiatives across the province, ensuring development of needed generation resources and supporting the continued commercial evolution of the electricity sector.