The Valley Hospital Receives National Awards for Achievements in Sustainability

On May 24, 2024

For the ninth consecutive year, The Valley Hospital has received national accolades for its achievements and innovation in healthcare sustainability from Practice Greenhealth.

Practice Greenhealth describes itself as the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in healthcare. The organization delivers environmental solutions to more than 1,100 United States hospitals and health systems.

Valley received the Partner for Change Award for its ongoing commitment to improving environmental performance and for its efforts to build sustainability and resiliency into the operations and culture of the institution. Practice Greenhealth also awarded Valley its Greening the OR Recognition Award, for its efforts to improve environmental performance in the operating room.

“Valley is committed to minimizing the impact of hospital operations on the environment and contributing towards a more sustainable future,” said Audrey Meyers, chief executive officer of Valley Health System. “Sustainability practices are essential for the health and well-being of our patients and families, as well as for the larger environments of our community and our planet.”

The Valley Hospital, located in Paramus, is operated and maintained using environmentally friendly principles, with more than 30% of the hospital campus dedicated to open green space. The hospital has two green roofs, which involve growing plants on the facility rooftops. Green roofs have numerous benefits, including reducing stormwater runoff, improving energy efficiency, and improving the overall look of the hospital for patients and neighbors.

The hospital also features a cogeneration plant, which will produce 30-40% of its power, depending on the season. It will feed power to a primary switch gear that will power the building. This will produce electrical energy, as well as heat, from the plant that would have otherwise been unused. The plant allows the hospital to produce its own steam, hot water, and air conditioning, while reducing Valley’s carbon footprint.

“In a shifting healthcare landscape, a focus on sustainability can help build resilience while better protecting the health of patients and the community,” said Gary Cohen, founder of Practice Greenhealth. “Valley demonstrates the kind of leadership, innovation, and performance that can drive the entire health sector toward more environmentally responsible practices.”

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