Jackson North Medical Center, a satellite of the Jackson Health System, has earned the 2012 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR® certification, for energy efficiency. The Energy Star is awarded to buildings that perform in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for meeting strict energy efficiency performance levels. Jackson North is one of three hospitals in Florida to achieve this designation and one of only 43 hospitals nationwide to earn the title of America’s Energy All Star.
“Jackson North Medical Center is pleased to accept EPA’s ENERGY STAR® certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Michael Drenta, director of Engineering Services at Jackson North Medical Center, "Through this achievement, this organization has demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs.”Achieving EPA’s ENERGY STAR® certification at Jackson North Medical Center was a team effort. They met strict criteria by using an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This was accomplished by boosting its energy performance through managing energy strategically across the entire campus and by making cost-effective improvements. As a result, Jackson North prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to 27.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the environment
Jackson North Medical Center’s administration along with key entities took the following actions to optimize performance:
• Original windows were replaced with impact resistant windows resulting in less solar load and eliminating air infiltration.
• Exterior lighting was automated to adjust to variations in light levels.
• The ventilation of the facility was optimized following an audit that determined it was over-ventilated.
• Installed a new building automation system (BacNet) to control major heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
• Installed new chillers and cooling towers.
“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment, “ said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of the ENERGY STAR® Commercial & Industrial Branch. “From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification.”
EPA’s ENERGY STAR® energy performance scale helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a 75 or higher on EPA’s 1-100 scale may be eligible for ENERGY STAR® certification.
