North Shore Community Health Partners with ENGIE to Advance Renewable Energy Efforts
In a bold move towards sustainability, North Shore Community Health (NSCH) has announced a partnership with ENGIE Resources LLC, an important subsidiary of ENGIE North America. The collaboration will see NSCH enter into a two-year renewable energy agreement aimed at fostering a cleaner, greener future for healthcare. As part of this initiative, NSCH will obtain Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that will cover 100% of the forecasted energy demands across its three locations in northeast Massachusetts comprising Salem, Peabody, and Gloucester.
Maggie Brennan, President and CEO of NSCH, remarked, "Embracing an environmentally friendly mindset benefits communities of all shapes and sizes. Our commitment to sustainability is one step on a journey towards creating healthier and vibrant communities." This partnership will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also aims to inspire other healthcare facilities to recognize their role in the broader mission of environmental stewardship.
NSCH, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), caters to the healthcare needs of over 14,000 patients annually, offering a variety of services including medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatments. The center also provides chronic disease management and health education, ensuring that accessible healthcare is a right for all, regardless of financial capability.
The RECs that NSCH will acquire through this agreement are certified Green-e®, representing the environmental benefits of renewable energy generated. This commitment will equate to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions produced by burning approximately 302,325 pounds of coal, or the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by recycling nearly 95.3 tons of waste instead of sending it to landfills.
NSCH intends to maintain budgetary stability during the agreement through a fixed pricing structure on energy costs. This strategic approach not only enhances financial predictability but also aligns with the organization’s mission of providing high-quality care irrespective of patients' ability to cover expenses. A sliding fee scale is employed to ensure all community members can receive necessary services.
ENGIE Resources, via its business development manager Ted Conway, expressed satisfaction in servicing organizations that are dedicated to community welfare. "It's an honor to serve this sector, and we admire the commitment of NSCH to provide vital community services while making a significant contribution to renewable energy efforts," he noted.
Furthermore, NSCH has proactively undertaken various environmental initiatives to promote sustainability. These include upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting, implementing motion sensor-controlled lighting systems within exam rooms, encouraging eco-friendly dining practices, and adopting a hybrid work model aimed at reducing commuting emissions.
Notably, NSCH is part of a larger national framework where FQHCs provide essential and accessible primary health care to over 30 million patients in the United States, accounting for about 8.3% of the population. This highlights the vital role that NSCH and similar organizations play in the landscape of healthcare delivery.