"We're honored to be recognized by Practice Greenhealth for the progress we've made in reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions across our health system," said Suzanne Savanick Hansen, manager of environmental sustainability, Allina Health. “These awards reflect the commitment and creativity of our teams and the measurable impact of the sustainability programs we've implemented."
Systemwide, Allina Health continues to strive toward the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. These goals align with the international Health Care Climate Challenge.
Thanks to the ingenuity of Allina Health care team members, Allina Health has developed innovative ways to support initiatives, including the sustainability revolving fund. The health system created a budget to fund projects to reduce environmental impact. Savings generated through energy-efficient projects are reinvested in future sustainability measures.
With the sustainability revolving fund, the health system has purchased energy efficient lights as well as reusable metal trays for operating rooms at United Hospital in St. Paul. The trays help maintain sterility for surgical instruments while eliminating large amounts of single-use blue wrap that previously was discarded after each use.
“The investment in these trays will save more than $100,000 annually while significantly reducing the amount of plastic waste generated in our operating rooms,” said Hansen.
The health system continues to use Rheaply, a reuse platform that allows surplus furniture and supplies to easily be redistributed within the system or properly donated, rather than being discarded. Green Teams, which consist of employees who support sustainability efforts at the sites, continue to lead projects such as a metal recycling initiative, Clean Sweep Days, in which they clean out storage areas and identify reusable items, and Earth Day events.
Buffalo Hospital, River Falls Area Hospital and St. Francis Regional Medical Center each purchase 100% renewable electricity from their utility providers.
“Our responsibility to community health extends beyond the care we provide in our hospitals and clinics," Hansen said. "Reducing waste, lowering emissions and supporting environmental stewardship are import ways we help keep our communities healthy and safe."
Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.
Allina Health Institutes are at the forefront of the mission and offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:
Together, these institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.