Harborview Medical Center has been recognized by Practice Greenhealth as a national leader in sustainability with five awards of excellence for 2023. The Top 25 Environmental Excellence Award recognizes Harborview as one of the Top 25 hospitals in the country for their work in pursuing environmental sustainability. Harborview is the only hospital in WA to receive a Top 25 award.
The four Circle of Excellence awards recognize achievements in waste prevention and material handling, greening the OR by implementing practices to reduce medical waste, supporting staff transportation options that help reduce the impact on the environment, and a climate award for programs that track and reduce CO2 emissions.
Highlights of the award submission include:
- Blue wrap recycling program. This new recycling program will divert up to 10 tons of operating room blue wrap from the landfill annually. The program also won a 2023 Husky Sustainability award.
- Composting. The hospital-wide composting program helps divert tons of compostable waste from the landfill, including paper towel waste from restrooms.
- Renewable energy. A solar array on the roof contributes to Harborview’s carbon emissions reduction goals and demonstrates the feasibility of solar power for healthcare facilities.
- Transportation. Harborview has a robust alternative commuting program.
- Climate. Harborview’s View Park is a green open space designed for patients, staff, and visitors to take breaks in a natural setting and has trees, shrubs and flowers to attract pollinators and promote habitat while reducing the impacts of urban heat island effect.
- Food. Harborview is a partner of the City of Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program which provides weekly vouchers to patients with food insecurity and chronic illness.
- Green building. Harborview completed the design work for a new clinic space with an emphasis on flexibility and use of sustainable, healthy and durable materials.
