Print
On June 12, 2008 in Edmonton Alberta University Health Network was recognized with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Pollution Prevention award.
 |
| click here to view larger image |
There is no better way to protect the environment than by preventing pollution before it occurs. Since 1997 The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Pollution Prevention award has recognized and celebrated the innovative ways companies and organizations across Canada practice pollution prevention.
Winners are selected by a panel of representatives from government, industry and
environmental non-government organizations. In assessing applications, the panel will consider the
fit of the project with the CCME definition of pollution prevention, demonstrated results and the
company/organization’s overall commitment to pollution prevention.
Since 2000, the University Health Network (UHN) has been implementing environmental stewardship initiatives across its three hospitals. Central to its environmental management system are four environmental programs: Biomedical Waste; Chemical Handling and Disposal; Energy and Water Conservation; and Waste Reduction and Recycling. The following highlight some of the pollution prevention initiatives that have been implemented over the years.
- Reduced the amount of non-hazardous waste being disposed of in the biomedical waste stream
- An ethanol on-site recycling unit was installed in the cytology lab
- The printing department eliminated the use of chemicals for printing
- Pesticide free since 2001
- The Mercury Phase Out policy
- The Green Procurement policy
- A steam heat recovery system
- A new lighting control system
- An ongoing communication and awareness program
Results include
- Reduced waste and emissions
- Energy and Water conservation
- Dollar savings
- Staff at all levels participating in Environmental Management
 |
To view this story on the Environment Canada website, please click here
