Premier Launches Healthcare Energy and Emissions Program

Published May 22, 2008

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — With more than 1,700 participating hospitals and health systems, Premier healthcare alliance has created an environmental program to help green the health industry.

The alliance's climate and energy program, Securing Proven Healthcare Energy Reduction for the Ecosystem (SPHERE), encompasses measuring, setting and realizing energy and emissions goals.

The initiative aims to reduce energy costs, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the use of renewable energy. Premier aims to work with its members to establish goals and benchmarks as well as help track and analyze their progress. Hospitals and systems will also be able to share best practices and receive expert advice.

"There is an urgent need for an intensified national healthcare-focused program to share expertise, tools and services," said Premier Safety Institute Vice President Gina Pugliese.

Premier is also working with Practice Greenhealth, Green Guide for Health Care and Healthcare Clean Energy Exchange on a reverse energy auction for the healthcare industry. The web-based auction is aimed at bringing down prices of renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets.

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Premier Launches Healthcare Energy and Emissions Program

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