Montgomery General Hospital Receives EPA’s Trailblazer Award
Olney, Md. – In recognition of its environmental leadership, Montgomery General Hospital received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Trailblazer Award during a ceremony at the Environmental Excellence in Health Conference at the University of Maryland School of Nursing on November 6, 2009. The award recognizes Maryland hospitals that serve as models for other health care facilities and demonstrate leadership in moving their facilities toward sustainable practices. Montgomery General was one of six Maryland hospitals, and the only one in Montgomery County, so honored.
In presenting the awards, Virginia Thompson, Sustainable Healthcare Sector Manager for EPA Region III, noted, “These hospitals are successfully demonstrating leadership and innovation in reducing their environmental footprint. They have undertaken a challenging task and have produced measurable results in many cases, demonstrating what can be accomplished when hospitals take advantage both of senior executive support and grounds-up initiative from across the hospitals’ many departments.”
The EPA singled out Montgomery General’s integrated pest management pilot program, recycling program, Earth Day fair, farmer’s market, wetlands reclamation project, as well as its development of a model waste management guide as the basis for the award.
“We take environmental sustainability seriously and this award recognizes that,” said Odell Hall, the hospital’s Director of Facilities, Safety and Security. “We’re a good neighbor and you can’t be a good neighbor if you’re not serious about environmental conservation.”
Environmental consciousness has been a way of life at Montgomery General for 16 years. What started as a recycling program has grown to encompass conservation and environmental sustainability. Since 1993, the hospital has recycled some 3,200 tons of materials, such as glass, plastic and batteries. “In a sense, we don’t throw anything away,” said Hall. “We recycle, sell or give away. Last year alone we donated 15,000 pounds of equipment and supplies to third world countries, and women’s and veterinary clinics.”
Two years ago, the hospital hosted a yard sale. Planning is underway for another one this coming spring.
Montgomery General’s integrated pest management program, developed in partnership with Maryland Pesticide Network, relies heavily on trapping and baiting. “We don’t spray in the building,” said Hall.
The hospital also has begun reclaiming nearby wetlands or “storm water management ponds,” according to Hall. “Many storm water ponds are natural habitat for insects – helpful insects – and plant life.” The hospital is erecting interpretative plaques to increase public understanding of the role of local wetlands.
Now 100 percent mercury free, Montgomery General has reduced its use of cleaning chemicals that can cause respiratory problems or harm the environment. The environment also in benefitting from the hospital’s energy and water conservation efforts. By reducing its water consumption by roughly 10 million gallons a year, the hospital has saved $865,000 over the past decade.
“We have a strong culture of environmental activism here at Montgomery General,” said Hall, “and a desire to do our part to operate in a sustainable manner.”