Kent Hospital has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR® certification, which signifies that the hospital performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.

“Kent Hospital is pleased to accept EPA’s ENERGY STAR® certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” Joseph DiPietro, Esq., chief administrative officer, said in a statement. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs.”

Commercial buildings that earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR® certification use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Kent improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to its building(s).

Over the last few years, Kent upgraded its HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system with a central chilling plant. Retrofitted lighting with energy efficient fixtures and bulbs and LED lighting technology were also put in place for energy savings. Kent is also now utilizing motion sensors to control lighting offices, which is also a large energy saver.

“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.”

In 2008, Kent Hospital developed a hospital-wide program to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable called the Keeping It Green Program. The goal of the program is to manage, minimize and eliminate the use of hazardous materials, to use renewable natural resources and limit the use of nonrenewable resources when possible. It encompasses recycling, sustainable landscaping, healthier dietary options, purchasing of greener products and employee education.

In 2012, Kent was honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with an Environmental Merit Award for its effort and commitment to preserving the environment. The hospital continues to strive to find new ways it can reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable inside and out.