Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital recognized with an ENERGY STAR^® Canada Award for its commitment to energy efficiency

(FREDERICTON) – Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) in Fredericton is being recognized on a national level for its commitment to energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable practices after being presented with its first-ever ENERGY STAR Canada Award.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the federal department that oversees ENERGY STAR certification for commercial and institutional buildings in Canada under its ENERGY STAR Canada program, has awarded the DECRH the 2023 “Building of the Year – Hospital” recognition.

“This accomplishment underscores our dedication to sustainable healthcare practices, which not only benefit our organization but also contribute to a greener, healthier environment for our communities,” said Jeff Carter, Horizon’s VP Capital Assets, Operations and Infrastructure. “This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team members who have worked so hard to make the DECRH a shining example of energy efficiency in our healthcare sector – we understand the importance of reducing our environmental footprint and are proud to be recognized in this way.”

The DECRH – which has been ENERGY STAR certified since 2019 – has introduced several changes that have boosted its overall energy performance, including the implementation of an ISO 50001 energy management system, and the introduction of a number of operational and maintenance best practices.

“I commend this year’s ENERGY STAR Canada award winners, who have demonstrated innovation in energy efficiency, which is critical to our ambitious climate goals,” said federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. “Their efforts result in sustainable jobs for cleaner growth and will deliver energy savings for years to come. Their collective commitment to reach and inspire Canadians to make energy-efficient choices is contributing to Canada’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Originally constructed in 1976, the DECRH is recognized as a centre of expertise for reconstructive and restorative medicine and as a leading plastic surgery centre.

The facility is currently undergoing approximately $250 million in capital improvements which will result in a modernized environment for maternal and newborn, surgical care, and day surgery, which are expected to be completed by March 2024.

Additional renovation projects for ambulatory procedures, phlebotomy, and health records services are expected to be completed by 2028. The doors to the hospital’s new, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were opened in early 2023.

This marks the second consecutive year that a Horizon facility has garnered an ENERGY STAR Canada award in the “Building of the Year – Hospital” category, with Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital taking home the honour in 2022.

About the ENERGY STAR awards

The ENERGY STAR Canada Awards recognize businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements in Canada. Award winners earn the prized recognition of being the best in their class—and use of a special ENERGY STAR winner’s symbol. The ENERGY STAR name and symbol are trademarks registered in Canada by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are administered and promoted by Natural Resources Canada.

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