Sodexo uses ENERGY STAR database to reduce environmental impact of its hospital clients

In an effort reduce the environmental impact of its hospital clients, Sodexo, Inc., a leader in Quality of Life Services solutions, is using the ENERGY STAR database to measure environmental impacts at eight out of ten of the more than 100 hospitals for whom Sodexo provides Facility Solutions. Use of the widely accepted standards allows not only for performance measurement and improvement, it also allows comparison with other hospitals and buildings.

Sodexo experts are using the database to determine baseline performance and have moved into the second phase of implementation; working with their local counterparts to implement improvements that increase efficiency and reduce energy and water consumption.

"ENERGY STAR partners such as Sodexo are leading the fight against climate change by improving the efficiency of the buildings and facilities that they manage," said Jean Lupinacci, chief of EPA's ENERGY STAR Commercial and Industrial branch. "Improving the energy efficiency of our nation's buildings is critical to preserving our environment and our natural resources. We applaud Sodexo's efforts to help protect our global environment for generations to come."

The efforts have already resulted in improvements and recognition. In 2009 the American Society of Hospital Engineers (ASHE) recognized Battle Creek Hospital in Michigan as one of the top ten in energy conservation in America. Two additional Sodexo clients, Sharp - Chula Vista in San Diego, Calif. and Rockdale Medical Center in Rockdale, Georgia have earned the highest "superior" EnergyStar rating. With the baseline established, more hospitals have indicated their interest and will be going through the formal evaluation process in 2010.

"Sodexo has found that energy and water savings can achieved through both large and small efforts; ranging from simple retrofitting of lighting systems to completely updating HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems," says Ted Bryant, senior vice president of operations for Sodexo. "Once the baseline data has been determined, our on-site teams monitor the effectiveness of systems on a monthly basis, enabling them to maximize efficiency by responding whenever meters indicate less than optimal performance."

Additional efforts to improve environmental performance involve a review of landscaping. Sodexo is currently working with the Sharp health care system to implement the use of xeriscaping, reducing the use of water and run-off by re-introducing native and drought tolerant species of plants as well as making physical adjustments to the property.