|
April 21, 2010
VANCOUVER ISLAND– Health care requires a great deal of energy. As we celebrate Earth Day tomorrow, it is important to remember our physical and environmental health. The Vancouver Island Health Authority has several initiatives – big and small – to be energy-efficient, and eco-friendly.
“We are making a conscious effort towards being Green throughout our health care system,” said VIHA President and CEO Howard Waldner. “From the simple – like using more efficient light bulbs, to the large initiatives at the new Patient Care Centre at Royal Jubilee Hospital, our staff are doing their part to reduce VIHA’s carbon footprint.”
Last year, VIHA, in partnership with Phillips, had events across the Island where staff were able to trade in 1000 of their old incandescent light bulbs for 1000 more efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. This simple act alone saved over 50,000 kilowatt-hours in energy last year. VIHA is a proud member of the BC Hydro Power Smart Employee Conservation Awareness Initiative (ECA) program, which supports these small changes that make big differences.
The new Patient Care Centre at Royal Jubilee Hospital is another excellent example of VIHA’s Green efforts. From the very beginning of the planning process, through the design and construction, VIHA has been using “Pacific Green” strategies. Throughout the new facility, effort is being made to use materials that have the least impact on the environment. That will include the use of solar energy for electricity, maximizing green space, the use of local material, and an emphasis on promoting bike and bus transportation to the facility.
“VIHA also encourages eco-friendly behaviour through incentives for employees who bus to work in Victoria and Nanaimo or bike to work,” said Waldner. “Not only is it better for the environment, biking or walking to work improves personal health as well.”
VIHA encourages everyone to take the opportunity to do one small thing to make Vancouver Island greener. Together, we can make a huge difference.
-30-
Media Contact:
Shannon Marshall
VIHA Communications
250-370-8270
Note to newsrooms: For urgent media inquiries off-hours, call our emergency pager at (250) 389-7317
Attachment (1): Backgrounder (PDF) |
|