Gundersen Health System says it is nation’s first net-zero healthcare network

Gundersen Health System, a network of hospitals, medical clinics, and nursing homes in Wisconsin, announced that it is producing more energy than it consumes, making it the first net-zero energy health system in the U.S.

Gundersen is using biogas from three local farms, methane from a local landfill, wood chips from local suppliers, solar panels installed on a parking lot, geothermal systems, and wind from two local projects. Energy consumption has been reduced by 40%, saving $2 million a year. The network also earns $2 million by selling surplus electricity and manure byproducts of biogas production.

"We did not set out to be the greenest health system, we set out to make the air better for our patients to breathe, control our rising energy costs, and help our local economy,” according to CEO Jeff Thompson. The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the industry and the climate, Thompson says.

He notes that hospitals typically consume 2.5 times more energy than commercial buildings, and Wisconsin’s harsh winters make it one of the most energy-intensive climates in the nation. Gundersen has also made great strides in waste reduction. Hazardous and pharmaceutical waste has been reduced by 40%, food waste by 70%, and styrofoam waste has been eliminated.

(http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/26068)

Faster delivery of buildings isn’t always associated with sustainability benefits or long-term value, but things are changing. An instructive case is in the development of steel structures that not only allow speedier erection times, but also can reduce embodied carbon and create durable, highly resilient building approaches.

Building Team | Nov 7, 2022

U.S. commercial buildings decreased energy use intensity from 2012 to 2018

The recently released 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that the total floorspace in commercial buildings has increased but energy consumption has not, compared with the last survey analyzing the landscape in 2012.

Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2022

New York City construction official wants to boost design-build

The new associate commissioner of alternative delivery in New York City’s Department of Design and Construction aims to encourage more design-build project delivery in the city.

| Nov 1, 2022

Updated Florida building codes helped newer homes withstand Hurricane Ian

Newer homes seemed to fare much better than older structures during Hurricane Ian, suggesting that updated Florida building codes made a difference.

Data Centers | Oct 31, 2022

Data center construction facing record-breaking inflation, delays

Data center construction projects face record-breaking inflation amid delays to materials deliveries and competition for skilled labor, according to research from global professional services company Turner & Townsend.