Windham Hospital Dedicates New Sustainable Energy Plant
WILLIMANTIC, CT, July 21, 2008 – Windham Hospital’s staff and friends took time on Friday to dedicatethe facility’s new UTC Power Co-Generation Plant—the largest green initiative to date for the Hospital. This system will use recycled steam and water to help create a comfortable environment for the Hospital and help provide critical energy services for the building for years to come. 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—again, Brvenik reduced the numbers into more understandable terms: “this amount of water would fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools,” he said. “We are delighted to be saving money on energy use, while conserving precious resources and reducing harmful emissions.” The PureComfort® is projected to save more than $660,000 over an 11-year period of use.
Joining Hospital personnel in the ribbon-cutting celebrations were Congressman Joe Courtney, and Windham’s First Selectman, Jean DeSmet, as well as officials from UTC Power, Hartford Healthcare, and numerous friends of the Hospital. 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!”
The Hospital will be leasing the power plant from UTC Power; thus also adding approximately $200,000 in tax revenues to the town’s coffers. “It’s a win-win-win situation!” remarked Board Chair Art Brodeur. His sentiments were echoed by Brvenik, who added, “This new sustainable energy solution at Windham Hospital will reduce overall power consumption, produce ultra-low emissions, maximize energy savings, provide a reliable source of cooling and heating, and add to our town’s revenue at the same time.” The PureComfort® system Windham Hospital is the first such installation at a community hospital within the State of Connecticut. “This is a very proud moment for Windham Hospital,” noted Brvenik. |