U-M Hospital, Bank of Ann Arbor, AATA push forward sustainability projects

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

As if Tree City wasn't green enough, several Ann Arbor institutions have been recognized for their efforts in energy efficiency, recycling and other environmentally responsible efforts. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority has implemented cost- and energy-saving measures, while Bank of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers have received awards for their green efforts.

Three Ann Arbor Transportation Authority facilities have installed energy management control systems, which are expected to produce substantial cost-savings, up to 20 percent, over the previous system. The energy management system allows timed control of the temperatures throughout TheRide’s main office and at its Blake and Ypsilanti transit center facilities. This new system will allow TheRide to control the heating, cooling and lighting schedules throughout the day and night, as well as automatically control the temperatures and lighting in different areas of each building. TheRide expects to recover its $78,000 investment in the new system in two years.
The University of Michigan Hospital was named for a fourth year as a member of the Environmental Leadership Circle, the most prestigious award from Practice Greenhealth, a national membership organization of health care facilities committed to environmentally responsible operations. The Hospitals and Health Centers were recognized for exemplifying environmental excellence and high standards for environmental practices in health care. Among the hospital system's programs are a mercury-free program, smoke-free environment, recycling initiatives ranging from paper to lab solvents, removal of an on-site incinerator, reduction of medical wastes, using locally grown food for patient and retail food services, and more.
Bank of Ann Arbor has been awarded a Business Recycling Leadership Award for its recycling and sustainability efforts. Awarded by Recycle Ann Arbor, businesses must recycle a high percentage of waste as determined by an audit, have a staffer designated to coordinate recycling, recycle special items such as printer cartridges or fluorescent light bulbs, and other efforts. From April 1, 2008 through April 30, 2010, Bank of Ann Arbor recycled 18,936 pounds of paper and cardboard and 11,502 pounds of mixed containers. Bank of Ann Arbor also recycles batteries, toner cartridges, fluorescent light bulbs, polystyrene, and shopping bags. Bank of Ann Arbor has an employee team that meets to discuss recycling and sustainable projects, and an internal website provides articles on sustainability practices and waste reduction in the office environment.
Also, the Sierra Club and the U.S. Green Building Council are hosting their "Green Buildings for Cool Cities 2010" tour this weekend. The tour is an opportunity to learn about energy-efficient and sustainable home building methods directly from their builders and architects. Visitors will experience the inner workings of homes with features that keep their owners and communities, and the earth, safe and healthy. Guided tours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and self-guided tours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The suggested minimum donation is $5, which goes toward local charities. For information, click here.

Sources: Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Recycle Ann Arbor, the Sierra Club and U.S. Green Building Council
Writer: Kristin Lukowski