At BMC, we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint because we know that healthier hospitals mean healthier communities. BMC is widely known as the ‘greenest' hospital in the city and is transforming our clinical campus to prepare the hospital to thrive well into the future.
Nearing completion of a 6 year, $350 million campus modernization, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction were among the cornerstones of our plan.
BMC is on target to reduce emissions by 50 percent through the campus redesign. In addition to renovating or building over 600,000 square feet of space. Upgrades to heating, cooling and ventilation systems, energy efficient lighting, and a new biodigester to compost food waste have all been completed. Further, an innovative solar energy partnership and the installation of a heating and power plant on the Yawkey roof, BMC has reduced energy use by 19.4 percent in seven years and is expected to be carbon neutral by 2020.
This heating and power plan is significant because now, BMC generates much of its own electricity and heat which will save the hospital approximately $1.5 million annually and further enhances BMC's standing as the greenest hospital in Boston. The hospital is also a member of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission, a groundbreaking effort created to catalyze the fight against climate change on a broad scale. We are proud that BMC President and CEO Kate Walsh chairs the healthcare sector of this Commission.
In addition to these changes for the environment, this work has reduced BMC’s utility bill from $17.2 million in 2011 to a budget of under $10 million in 2019. Those savings are able to be put into providing care for our patients.
