Michael Garron Hospital shares first-ever Environmental Sustainability Annual Report

Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) has released its first-ever Environmental Sustainability Annual Report, which highlights the ongoing progress and efforts MGH is making toward building a sustainable future. 

The report includes a number of initiatives the hospital implemented in 2023 to help decrease waste, increase the amounts of materials diverted from landfills and ensure the continued use of environmentally preferred products. 

This supports MGH’s efforts to address the impacts of climate change and reduce the organization’s carbon footprint. 

“We have a collective responsibility to address environmental sustainability and try to do better for our tomorrow,” says Jane Harwood, Director of Surgery, Critical Care, Cardiology and Virtual Care and Co-Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee at MGH. 

Key highlights from the Environmental Sustainability Annual Report 2023 include: 

• Diverted 18,300+ plastic garment bags from the landfill through the Surgery Department’s “Bring Your Own Reusable Bag” initiative 
• Served 2,000+ patients through the Remote Care Monitoring Program 
• Diverted 53,000+ gowns from the landfill through the reusable gowns initiative 
• Eliminated the use of higher-carbon footprint gases throughout the hospital and replaced with sustainable alternatives 
• Implemented an instantaneous hot water heating project, which resulted in energy savings 
• Installed 10 electric vehicle charging stations and opened a larger bicycle parking area for staff in our underground parking garage 

The report notes that, due to these and other sustainability initiatives, the utilities consumption per square footage at MGH continues to decrease.    

“Environmental sustainability will ensure our planet remains a habitable place for all present and future generations to live,” says Schubert Martin, Director of Engineering Services and Co-Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee at MGH. 

The Environmental Sustainability Annual Report lays a strong foundation for MGH to continue reducing its carbon footprint while taking a leadership role in addressing the impacts of climate change and how the healthcare sector can play a role in furthering environmental goals. 

The report is the result of collaborative efforts from various departments and stakeholders at MGH who are committed to environmental stewardship. The organization will continue to evaluate and prioritize environmental sustainability initiatives while exploring new ways to help advance climate-conscious care across the hospital.