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Hospital recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers

Sunnybrook was announced today as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2010. This is the second year that Sunnybrook has earned this title.
Now in its fourth 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.

Sunnybrook was the only hospital selected. The Hospital was chosen based on its unique environmental initiatives such as the creation of a new role, Manager of Environmental Sustainability for the Hospital, and the Honeywell Energy and Facility Renewal program that will see Sunnybrook reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 9,000 metric tons.

Other greening initiatives that are currently underway at Sunnybrook include:

The Harry Taylor Solar Energy Wall
In Fall 2009, Sunnybrook became the largest source of solar energy of any Canadian healthcare facility. In memory of Harry Taylor, Director of Facilities Services and an influential, well-respected leader, the energy wall converts daylight into electricity.

Gas Scavenging in the Operating Rooms
Less than five percent of the delivered inhalation anesthetic used in OR is metabolized by the patient meaning that the remaining 95 percent is sent into the atmosphere. Using a special device, Sunnybrook has prevented the equivalent of 474 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, which is the amount of CO2 produced by 158 low-fuel consumption cars in one year.

Composting & Biodegradable Food Containers in the Cafeteria
In January this year Sunnybrook launched a new composting and recycling program at its "On the Go Bistro" and "Harlequins" cafeterias. This program allows organic waste to be composted and helps simplify recycling of paper, plastic, metals, glass and other materials. The "Better Bins" in the cafeteria allow for the separation and disposal of organic materials, mixed recyclables, paper recyclables and waste. As an added feature, Styrofoam is no longer used and has been replaced by biodegradable food containers.

In addition to these initiatives, Sunnybrook's Director of Plant Operations and Maintenance, Rudy Amrein, was recently recognized by the City of Toronto for his long-time energy conservation efforts and accomplishments at Sunnybrook that have reduced emissions that lead to climate change.

April 26, 2010  By Newswire