Powered by Efficiency: HSHS St. John’s Hospital First in HSHS to Achieve National Energy Star Certification

HSHS St. John’s Hospital has marked a milestone in energy efficiency by becoming the first hospital in Hospital Sisters Health System to earn federal Energy Star certification, a national recognition for superior energy efficiency and environmental performance.

“This achievement demonstrates that innovation in health care extends beyond clinical care,” said Brian Brennan, President and CEO of HSHS St. John’s Hospital and HSHS’ Central Illinois Market. “By operating more efficiently, we’re strengthening our ability to invest in the care, technology and services our patients depend on.”

Buildings must earn an Energy Star score of 75 or higher on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 1-100 scale to attain the designation. St. John’s Hospital scored 78 for its 2,000,000 square foot campus, meaning it performs in the top 22% of similar, energy-efficient buildings nationwide. On average, Energy Star certified buildings use 35% less energy and generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than noncertified buildings, according to the EPA.

The increased efficiency has translated into annual energy cost savings for St. John’s of more than $300,000 for each of the past three years, for a total savings of nearly $1 million during that time frame.

Recent upgrades include the installation of LED light bulbs across the St. John’s campus and monitoring technology that provides real-time analysis of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. “

Hospitals operate around the clock, making this certification all the more significant,” said Nick Bristow, Director of Facilities Management, St. John’s Hospital. “Our team is proud to deliver improvements that support sustainability while keeping every patient room, operating suite and clinical space running safely and reliably.”