Mayo Clinic Health System wins Practice Greenhealth award

Contact: Paul Meznarich, 715-838-5805, meznarich.paul@mayo.edu

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire recently was honored with a “Partner for Change” award from Practice Greenhealth, a national organization promoting environmentally responsible operations within health care organizations.

“This award demonstrates Mayo Clinic Health System’s commitment to their patients and their community to protect public health and preserve the environment,” says Laura Wenger, a registered nurse and executive director of Practice Greenhealth. “Mayo Clinic Health System is truly demonstrating leadership for the future of health care.”

In addition to energy conservation practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, Mayo Clinic Health System also recycles more than 16 tons of glass, plastics and aluminum; 700,000 pounds of paper; and 5,880 pounds of batteries each year. More than 45 tons of food waste is diverted from the landfill in the form of compost each year.

“We are constantly monitoring and improving our environmental performance,” says Gordy Howie, director of Facilities Services at Mayo Clinic Health System inEau Claire. Howie also is chairman of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Green Business Initiative that works with local businesses in developing environmentally sustainable practices.

To learn more about sustainable features and environmental practices at Mayo Clinic Health System, take the Luther Building interactive tour online by selecting theEau Claire location at mayoclinichealthsystem.org.