Healthcare is energy intensive; it is the second largest consumer of energy after the food processing industry. We now know that the burning of fossil fuels to produce energy has profoundly affected not only air quality, but has altered the climate due to the heat holding capacity of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released from fossil fuel combustion.
In the wake of hurricane Harvey and horrific wildfires, the impacts of climate change are being more fully realized. A number healthcare facilities, recognizing their contributions to climate change are working to reduce their energy consumption, their carbon footprint and improve the bottom line.
We invite you to come learn about why climate change is critical for human- and environmental health, what leading institutions are doing to improve energy efficiency and how you can become more energy efficient as well.
AGENDA
12:00-12:45 The Health Impacts of Climate Change & How Healthcare can Respond, Kristin Raab, MPH, MN Climate & Health Program, MN Department of Health
12:45-1:15 Mayo Clinic’s quest to reduce energy use by 20% by 2020, Brett Gorden, PE, Section Head, Facility Operations, Mayo Clinic
1:15-1:45 Focus on Clinics and Small Hospitals: what you can do at work and at home to reduce energy and prevent climate change. Chris Plumb, Program Manager, Center for Energy and the Environment
2:00-3:00 Network and visit with representatives from Centerpoint, MN Power and Xcel (MN and WI).
We invite you to join us for lunch; with your own brown bag or at HealthEast Midway's cafeteria (just across the hall from the event's room).