BCHS 1 of 12 hospitals in U.S. to be recognized for reducing energy consumption

The American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE) recognized Battle Creek Health System recently for its efforts in reducing energy consumption. BCHS is one of only ten hospitals in the United States to receive this honor and the only one in Michigan.

ASHE's energy efficiency commitment encourages hospitals across the country to support the goals of the Environmental Protection Agency's 'Energy Star Challenge,' and to reduce their energy consumption by 10 percent--BCHS exceeded that number.

Some of the initiatives made included:
--re-engineering the primary chilled water supply pumps-doubling their gallons-per-minute output, which in turn reduced the number of chillers and pumps needed to supply adequate cooling to the buildings.
--fine tuning the flame controls and installing a computerized control on the boiler
--maximizing the efficiencies of the building heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems

"This award is very significant to BCHS and for our state because the changes and improvements we've made allow us to diminish the carbon footprint on our environment," says Paul Ratliff, BCHS director of engineering. "These changes will help the community where we live and work."

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

(L-R) Denise Brooks-Williams, BCHS president and CEO accepts the ASHE energy reduction award from Rob Chaplin, facilities manager and Paul Ratliff, director of engineering at the hospital. BCHS is one of only ten health care providers in the U.S. to receive this national award, and the only one in Michigan.