Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital earns ENERGY STAR certification

Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital (CRBH) has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy performance. Several initiatives, including capital investments in plant operations and a preventative maintenance program for equipment, contributed to this recognition. 

On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants use 35 percent less energy, cause 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than their peers—all without sacrifices in performance or comfort.

“We’re honored to earn the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance and appreciate the efforts of everyone who has been involved in this achievement,” said Greg Madsen, Vice President and Administrator of CRBH. “Saving energy is just one of the ways we show our community that we’re committed to doing our part to protect the environment and public health, both today and beyond.”

CRBH recently updated to more energy-efficient plant operations equipment, including replacing boilers and chillers that previously dated to 1997. Walk-in coolers were also recently replaced in the hospital's dining and nutrition area. In addition to new equipment, all windows were caulked, doors were weather stripped, and parking lot lights were updated to LED bulbs. CRBH is now in the process of updating interior lights as well.

Lastly, maintenance staff, along with vendors, have implemented a vigorous preventative maintenance program for the facility's boilers and chillers. Preventative maintenance programs have proven to lead to at least a 10% energy savings versus equipment that is serviced only when problems occur. 

“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment, “ said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch. “From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification.”

ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants are verified to perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide based on weather-normalized source energy use that takes into account occupancy, hours of operation, and other key metrics. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.

To date, tens of thousands of buildings and plants across all fifty states have earned the ENERGY STAR. For more information about ENERGY STAR for Buildings and Plants, visit www.energystar.gov/buildings

For many years, Carilion has engaged in system-wide sustainability efforts that include diverting waste from landfills, improving energy efficiency and enhancing recycling efforts among other initiatives.  You can read more information about the program here.