DaVita HealthCare Partners honored as 2015 Top Green Company in the U.S.

DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA), one of the nation's largest and most innovative health care communities, today announced that the company was recognized by Newsweek Green Rankings as a 2015 Top Green Company in the U.S. The company has appeared on the list every year the award program has run since 2009.

"Our teammates have a strong track record of creating a culture of sustainability," said Kent Thiry, chairman and CEO of DaVita HealthCare Partners. "We strive to be environmentally conscious."

In 2007, DaVita HealthCare Partners created its Village Green program to help steward resources and create protocols that aim to reduce the company's environmental footprint. Village Green offers robust educational opportunities and civil discourse for teammates to encourage a shared ownership of conservation efforts.

Village Green initiatives include:

• Piloting a building-management system that optimizes air conditioning and heating in clinics to increase comfort and reduce energy use.
• Recruiting 1,200 "green champions" who drive sustainability efforts in clinics and business offices across the nation.
• Starting a water-optimization program that has helped the average clinic use 20 percent less water.
• Launching a friendly competition between clinics and business offices to reduce paper usage.
• Partnering with construction teams to build sustainable clinics that feature LED lighting, energy- and water-efficient equipment, and local materials.