On Friday, July 18, 2008 Windham Hospital hosted Congressman Joe Courtney and First Selectman Jean DeSmet to assist with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Hospital’s new PureComfort® cooling, heating and power solution. This UTC Power co-generation plant is just one of the ways that Windham Hospital is contributing to protecting our environment for future generations.
This innovative “green” project is the first to be installed in a community hospital in the state and will increase the efficiency of the Hospital’s energy utilization from 33% to more than 80%. Not only will the new system lower the Hospital’s electric bills, but as a result of leasing this equipment from UTC Power, there will be tax revenue generated for the Town of Windham in the amount of over $200,000 during the 11-year lease.
The system will use recycled steam and water to help create a more comfortable and reliable environment for the Hospital and its patients. Hospital President and CEO, Dick Brvenik noted that the PureComfort® system will help reduce emissions at the Hospital, achieving “the same environmental benefit as removing 216 cars from the road each and every year!” The system will also save over 1 million gallons of water each year, an amount equal to that which would fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools. “We are delighted to be saving money on energy use, while conserving precious resources and reducing harmful emissions,” said Brvenik. The PureComfort® system is projected to save more than $660,000 over an 11-year period of use.
Congressman Courtney remarked upon “yet another wonderful innovation at the Hospital” and extended his congratulations to “the forward-thinking individuals who have persevered in the quest to become more energy-independent.” Selectman DeSmet concurred, adding “kudos to the many people who have worked so hard to bring this system to Windham!”
PHOTO: Left to Right, Marcus Rothstein, UTC Power; Congressman Joe Courtney; Art Brodeur, Chairman of the Windham Hospital Board of Directors; Dick Brvenik, President & CEO, Windham Hospital; Windham First Selectman Jean DeSmet; and Windham Hospital Director of Facilities Ed Bussiere. |