Sutter Health network hospital in Northern California advances sustainability initiative with solar power to optimize energy usage and improve patient care
Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, and Sutter Health today announced the completion of a 1.6 megawatt solar energy system at the Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital (SSRRH). The 84-bed acute-care facility is one of 24 hospitals in the Sutter Health network and is known as one of the greenest hospitals in Northern California.
The solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays installed at two sites on the SSRRH campus underscore Sutter Health’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship through the use of renewable energy, setting the Sutter Health Standard for solar. Carport solar panels installed at the hospital’s main parking lot and on the roof of the Bill and Elizabeth Shea House – a private, four-bedroom residence for families of hospitalized children – are expected to generate more than 2.4 million kWh of electricity annually – the equivalent of powering 206 households for one year.
” Clean sustainable solar power benefits patients, employees and the environment. The addition of an eco-friendly energy source, along with our hospital’s green construction, recycling program and water conservation, helps deepen our commitment to a healthier community.“
— Michael Purvis, CEO of SSRRH and Novato Community Hospital
“Clean sustainable solar power benefits patients, employees and the environment”, said Michael Purvis, CEO of SSRRH and Novato Community Hospital. “The addition of an eco-friendly energy source, along with our hospital’s green construction, recycling program and water conservation, helps deepen our commitment to a healthier community.”
The solar panels installed by Ameresco are projected to offset 40 percent of the hospital’s overall electricity usage and 89 percent of electricity used at the Shea House. As an on-site source of renewable energy, SSRRH will avoid 1,725 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually or the equivalent of 194,021 gallons of gasoline consumed.
“The size of this solar project makes it significant, as does its positive environmental and social impact for the surrounding community,” said Ameresco Vice President Bob Georgeoff. “Beyond the services and shelter provided by Santa Rosa Regional Hospital – particularly in the last two years following harsh wildfires in the region – Sutter Health’s dedication to sustainability and green building practices puts Northern California on a clear path forward to better air quality and a lower carbon footprint.”
In addition to the 1.6 MW solar panel system, Ameresco replaced the hospital’s parking lot lighting fixtures with high-efficiency LEDs. These will generate additional energy cost savings for the hospital over time and create brighter, safer spaces on campus for patients, visitors and employees.
40%
Hospital Electricity Consumption Offset
1,725 Tons
C02 Reduced Annually
2,400,000 kWh
Electricity Generated Annually
About Sutter Health
Sutter Health is more than 60,000 people strong thanks to its integrated network of physicians, employees and volunteers. Rooted in Sutter Health’s not-for-profit mission, these team members partner to deliver exceptional care that feels personal. From physician offices to hospitals to outpatient care centers and home services, they proudly support the more than 3 million people in their care—nearly 1 percent of the U.S. population, in one of the most diverse and innovative regions in the world. Sutter team members adopt new technologies, make novel discoveries and embrace creative thinking to help patients and communities achieve their best health. From its street nurse program that provides check-ups for homeless people, to telemedicine-aided specialist consultations, to walk-in care clinics, to smart glass technology, the Sutter Health team goes beyond traditional models to make care more convenient and to nurture and empower people throughout their medical journey. For more information about the Sutter Health network visit: sutterhealth.org | facebook.com/sutterhealth | youtube.com/sutterhealth | twitter.com/sutterhealth.
About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions for businesses and organizations throughout North America and Europe. Ameresco’s sustainability services include upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,000 employees providing local expertise in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of our entry into a solar energy asset arrangement is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such arrangement, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of March 31, 2019.
