The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) has been named a 2017 Energy Star Partner of the Year-Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Award winner. ASHE, a personal membership group of the American Hospital Association and an Energy Star partner, will be honored for its work to help healthcare facilities become more energy-efficient.

“This award recognizes the leadership and dedication of the ASHE Board of Directors, Sustainability Committee, Energy to Care program partners, and of course our members who have made the commitment to energy efficiency within their facilities,” says ASHE Executive Director PJ Andrus, MBA, CAE. “We are excited to continue building on the success of the Energy to Care program.”

ASHE provides resources and programs specifically tailored for hospitals, which have unique energy needs due to their around-the-clock operation and energy-intensive medical equipment needed for patient care. ASHE’s free Energy to Care benchmarking and awards program helps hospitals track energy use, become more efficient, and redirect energy savings toward patient care.

The Sustainability Roadmap for Hospitals provides step-by-step instructions for efficiency projects proven to work in healthcare settings. Energy to Care challenges, awards, and publications raise awareness of the importance of sustainability. ASHE’s efforts have contributed to increased efficiency in hospitals across the country:

  • Energy savings have topped a total of more than $127 million for hospitals in the Energy to Care program
  • More hospitals are making the commitment to energy efficiency. In 2014, 239 facilities participated in Energy to Care. Today more than 2,100 facilities are participating.
  • More hospitals are reducing energy use quickly. For example, 29 hospitals reduced consumption by 10% in a single year and earned a 2016 Energy to Care Award—an increase of 25% from the year before and an increase of 160% from 2014.
  • More hospitals are reaching major efficiency accomplishments. A total of 194 facilities in Energy to Care now have an Energy Star score of 75 or greater, a 75% increase from 2010.

The 2017 Partner of the Year-Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Awards are bestowed upon a diverse set of organizations that have demonstrated leadership in implementing high-performing energy efficiency programs. ASHE’s accomplishments will be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., on April 26.