For the second consecutive year, the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) has been named an Energy Star Partner of the Year—Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Award winner. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy will recognize ASHE’s accomplishments at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 20.

ASHE, a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association and an Energy Star partner, will be honored for its work to help health care facilities become more energy efficient.

“Receiving this award for a second consecutive year recognizes the ongoing dedication that our members have shown toward the goal of creating more efficient health care facilities,” says ASHE Executive Director PJ Andrus, CAE. “We are excited to build on our previous success and support hospitals and health systems advance affordability in health care.”

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. Specifically, 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.

Further, The Sustainability Roadmap for Hospitals provides step-by-step instructions for efficiency projects proven to work in health care 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 $327 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 2,770 facilities are participating.
  • More hospitals are reducing energy use quickly. Case in point: 48 hospitals reduced consumption by 10% in a single year and earned a 2017 Energy to Care Award—an increase of 40% from the year before.
  • More hospitals are reaching major efficiency accomplishments. The number health care facilities in ASHE’s Energy to Care Program with Energy Star scores of 75 or more increased from 110 in 2010 to 260 in 2017.

The 2018 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. For a complete list of 2018 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit www.energystar.gov/awardwinners.