Nathan Littauer Hospital Cited As One of "The Most Progressive Facilities" for Energy Conservation

Audit Regards Hospital As a Benchmark for the Entire Industry

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The engineering team at Littauer is a key factor in the hospital’s green efforts.

GLOVERSVILLE, NY (02/25/2010)(readMedia)-- Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home recently received results of an audit conducted by PRES Energy LLC, which was formally presented to the New York Power Authority. "The results are dramatic." stated Dave Bruhns, Director of Engineering for Littauer. PRES Energy was engaged by the New York Power Authority and the New York State Governor's Office to perform energy audits for a representative sample of its business customers. The audit, conducted January 6, 2010, determines cost-effective measures that could be implemented to reduce energy costs and to improve the efficiency of buildings. The results of the audit were announced to Nathan Littauer's management team today.

The report concludes that Nathan Littauer's energy maintenance efforts are a benchmark for the health care industry. Laurence E. Kelly Littauer's President and CEO explains, "Everyday Nathan Littauer strives to care for our patients while reducing our carbon footprint." He added, "We want to be a good "green" neighbor, not for accolades but because it is intrinsically good for our area. That said, it is certainly exciting to be lauded as an industry leader."

The thorough audit examined the HVAC system, the heating and cooling systems, the building energy management control systems, electrical distribution and lighting systems and a host of other systems utilized at the hospital. The report concludes by saying:

"The Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is one of the most progressive facilities in regards to the management of gas and electricity. The staff at this hospital has been very forward thinking in its implementation of new projects with respect to future energy saving. Many hospitals in the country have neglected their infrastructure and subsequent energy management which has resulted in higher health acre cost. Nathan Littauer is a benchmark for the industry for its innovative approach to all aspects of managing its resources and waste."

Dave Bruhns, Director of Engineering for Littauer reflects, "Our goal is to provide an Environment of Care in support of the hospital's mission. Being flexible in our approach to projects and day-to-day operations allows us to take advantage of circumstances and opportunities when they arise. The findings of this survey are the measurable results of our efforts." He concluded, "We have found that by sharing the positive results with staff, we obtain valuable buy-in, and some good ideas for further improvement".

"Congratulations to the people at Nathan Littauer for creating a bold vision and then following through with the hard work necessary to become an industry leader in energy efficiency," said Congressman Paul Tonko. "This kind of effort provides for a better outcome by cutting the use of energy, saving dollars, reducing the costs of health care, and improving the surrounding community. Nathan Littauer has created an example of what can be accomplished through energy efficiency that will be a model for other hospitals to follow."

The report also summarizes the hospital's Environmental Impact. The energy savings realized by Littauer in one year is equivalent to:

  • removing 1 car from the road
  • planting 2 acres of trees
  • conserving 12 barrels of crude oil
  • conserving 2 tons of coal.

In April of 2009, Littauer embarked on a hospital-wide green effort in an effort to reduce energy use and waste at Littauer. Congressman Tonko came to the hospital to see firsthand the hospital's energy reducing efforts. "We are obviously doing the right things." stated Mr. Kelly, adding "But we are not done yet."

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Nathan Littauer's Family of Health Services in Gloversville, NY serves Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery counties in Upstate New York with a 74- bed regional hospital, eight primary and specialty care centers and an 84-bed nursing home. The hospital opened in 1894 and currently employs 950 people. The hospital recently opened a new state-of-the-art Birthing Center. To learn more about Nathan Littauer, please visit www.nlh.org.