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Sunnybrook unveils energy and facility renewal program

The program will include a variety of energy-efficient facility and infrastructure upgrades. Honeywell will also install solar photovoltaic panels to convert solar energy into electricity. The array produces clean energy and demonstrates Sunnybrook’s commitment to rely on sustainable resources.

“This initiative demonstrates the leadership role that Sunnybrook has taken in energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Our collaboration with Honeywell is a logical step for us and we’re proud to be working with a global leader in this field,” said Dr. Barry McLellan, president and CEO, Sunnybrook Heath Sciences Centre. “We have always kept a strong focus on the environment and with the new program in place, we are improving the healing environment for our patients and the working conditions for our employees without taking funds away from much needed patient care.”

Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen shares his support. “This program supports a sustainable Ontario and is the kind of action we need to see taken in order to achieve our greenhouse gas reduction targets,” he said. “By reducing waste and conserving energy and water Sunnybrook is leading the way for other Ontario hospitals.”

Sunnybrook will fund the program with the energy and operational savings the improvements generate. Honeywell guarantees the savings through a performance contract with the hospital, protecting capital budgets and minimizing risk. In addition, Sunnybrook’s “greening” initiatives make it eligible for more than $1 million in various grants and federal funding that will be applied to the program.

Under the agreement, Honeywell will replace older, less-efficient systems with technology that reduces electricity, fuel and water consumption, as well as maintenance costs. The company will implement more than 100 conservation measures, which include:
•    Replacement of chillers and cooling towers to more energy-efficient models that use environmentally friendly refrigerants
•    Installation of high-efficiency lighting systems and control strategies that provide better illumination while using less energy
•    Upgrading and optimization of ventilation, heating and cooling equipment
•    Improvement of aging mechanical systems that serve critical areas with more energy-efficient products
•    Upgrading of the building automation systems to optimize energy management
•    Implementation of a full facility condition assessment to capitalize on deferred maintenance opportunities

Along with reducing costs, the program will have a significant environmental impact, cutting annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 9,000 metric tonnes. According to Environment Canada, this is equivalent to removing 1,400 cars from the road. Honeywell also will recycle the equipment removed from the facility in an environmentally friendly manner.

“We are honoured to work with Sunnybrook in its commitment to proactively create a healthier environment while sustaining its investments in quality healthcare,” said Luis Rodrigues, vice-president of energy solutions for Honeywell Building Solutions. “This is a great example of the public and private sectors working together to better use energy resources to deliver a sustainable future and a proven return on investment.”

The facility improvements are part of Sunnybrook’s overall environmental strategy to reduce energy and water consumption, and waste. The hospital’s green efforts have led to cash incentives from its energy supplier and the 2008 Green Toronto Award for water efficiency. City officials first recognized Sunnybrook in 2007 for its progress in water conservation when the hospital was able to reduce daily consumption by more than 176,000 liters, enough water to provide service to 250 homes.