Allina Health has recently been honored with multiple awards from Practice Greenhealth, including the 2024 System for Change Award for the second year in a row. The awards are a testament to the organization’s dedication to improving the health of the community by reducing its impact on the environment. Suzanne Savanick Hansen, Allina Health’s manager of Environmental Sustainability, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating that any actions taken to decrease waste, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions ultimately contribute to healthier communities.
Hansen highlighted that 13 health sites within the organization have been recognized for their environmental sustainability initiatives. Allina Health has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050. To meet these targets, the organization is implementing energy efficiency projects and waste reduction strategies, focusing on various ways to minimize its environmental impact.
While many of these sustainability practices may go unnoticed by the public, they play a crucial role in promoting a healthier environment. Initiatives such as transitioning to LED lighting, improving recycling efforts, and implementing energy-saving measures are all part of Allina Health’s commitment to sustainability. At the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley, for example, honeybee hives are maintained by Kinnickkinnic Bees, with the honey produced being used in the cafeteria. Additionally, Abbott Northwestern Hospital has introduced native pollinator-friendly plants to support local bee and butterfly populations.
Looking ahead, Allina Health plans to continue its focus on energy efficiency and waste reduction projects. By prioritizing sustainability efforts at its various health sites, the organization aims to further enhance its environmental impact and contribute to the well-being of the communities it serves.