Research shows 30 percent of the energy consumed by commercial and industrial buildings in the U.S. is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. If efficiency was improved by just 10 percent, the collective savings would be $40 billion. Thoughtful stewardship of our resources is far more than an effective way to reduce costs. It also aligns with our mission of providing the best quality of life for our patients, families and staff. It ensures we are leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
As a nonprofit community hospice, we are particularly aware of the changing climate of reimbursement and its financial impact. As a result, we have made environmental sustainability a key initiative impacting all aspects of our operations. Our ability to increase efficiencies and conserve, reuse and recycle allows us to divert resources back into achieving exemplary care for the patients and families we serve. We redirect the cost savings into our programs and services. Other businesses can achieve similar cost efficiencies and benefits.
Every dollar saved by recycling and green initiatives means more dollars available for patient and family care. For instance, $100 saved supports a pediatric social worker visit, $200 saved provides the use of a pressure-reducing mattress for a month and $500 supports two months at a pottery studio to help grieving families create memorial artwork.
We are committed to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship — not only at our three inpatient care centers — two of which have achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council — but throughout the agency.
All food scraps from our inpatient units, headquarters site and Lakeshore campus are composted or taken to a local farm to help feed their animals. All landscaping at our facilities is pesticide free.
Working with procurement to request that vendors provide green products and services minimizes the use of harmful chemicals in the environment. This is beneficial not only to the vulnerable patients and families we serve, but to our employees, volunteers and the communities in which our facilities are located. It’s a strategy any business can employ.
Employee engagement can play a major role in the success of any company’s efforts. An internal “green team” can help serve as educational ambassadors within an organization, educating staff and visitors at organizational sites about sustainability opportunities. Recycling — diverting reusable materials away from landfills — is the most obvious way to build interest and momentum.
Going green improves the overall efficiency of a business. Turning off lights in vacant offices saves energy and utility costs. Encouraging employees to print less cuts down on paper usage, and can lower the budget spent on printing materials. Our staff has embraced our recycling efforts. In a single year, we recycle more than 280 pounds of light bulbs, 200 pounds of batteries and more than 16,000 pounds of electronic waste.
By building on small changes that have a big impact when done collectively, any business can improve cost savings and organizational efficiency while benefiting employees, customers and the communities served. Even the smallest efforts make a big difference for your business — and for the planet.
William E. Finn is president and CEO at Hospice of the Western Reserve
