Hospital partners to cut energy, water use

Nyack (N.Y.) Hospital will invest an estimated $1 million in energy- and water-saving upgrades without spending a dime in up-front costs, thanks to a conservation program offered by Constellation, its energy supplier.

In return for signing a four-year electricity contract with Constellation through its Efficiency Made Easy program, Nyack will reap the benefits of a range of energy- and water-saving measures paid for by the utility.

The hospital expects to save about $270,000 per year by reducing electricity use by more 1.24 million kWh annually. Energy upgrades will eliminate 1.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The hospital also expects to reduce water usage by 10 million gallons annually through a series of conservation measures, says Jared Shapiro, director of ancillary services, construction and safety.

"Environmental stewardship is one of the ways in which we carry out our mission and responsibility to care for the community," says John Volanto, vice president and chief information officer.

Key conservation measures Nyack will take include installing energy-efficient lighting and controls, low-flow faucets and shower heads, water leak repairs, steam plant upgrades and sterilizer condensate tempering.

The cost of the efficiency measures paid for by Constellation is included in the price per kWh over the term of Nyack's electricity supply agreement with Constellation.

Some conservation work has started and the remainder is scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2014, says Thomas Tufaro, plant and facilities manager.

Gary Fromer, senior vice president, energy management programs at Constellation, says the energy supplier's conservation program makes it easier for customers like Nyack to overcome financial hurdles caused by capital investment costs.

Nyack is a 375-bed acute care medical-surgical hospital in Rockland County, N.Y.