HackensackUMC Honored as a National Leader for Environmental Excellence

On Jun 18, 2014

HackensackUMC announces that it has earned Practice Greenhealth’s highest honor as a 2014 Environmental Excellence Award winner, earning recognition as one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country.

“I want to congratulate our team members for achieving this impressive distinction,” said Robert C. Garrett, president and chief executive officer of the Hackensack University Health Network. “It is a tangible reflection of our commitment to advancing our green initiatives and improving the lives of patients, team members and our community.”

The Top 25 Environmental Excellence Awards recognize healthcare facilities that exemplify environmental excellence and are setting the highest standards for environmental practices in healthcare. Programs were rated according to a rigorous scoring system. Sustainability program evaluations ranged from leadership, waste, chemicals, greening the operating room, food and environmentally preferable purchasing; to energy, water, climate and green building.

In addition, HackensackUMC achieved the Making Medicine Mercury-Free Award, recognizing facilities that have virtually eliminated mercury and have demonstrated a commitment to being mercury-free. Award criteria included mercury-free management and purchasing policies, and staff education.

“I am proud to partner with HackensackUMC on our innovative environmental initiatives,” said Deirdre Imus, president and founder of The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center. “I look forward to raising the bar on our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

Winners were celebrated at the Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony in Cleveland, OH, on June 5 at the CleanMed Conference and Exhibition.

HackensackUMC, in collaboration with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center, is committed to identifying, controlling, and ultimately preventing the toxic exposures in the environment that threaten the health and well-being of children, their families and the wider community.

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