Sustainability and green initiatives have changed the way we look at every project. As we work to conserve resources, recycle materials and reduce waste, everything we do incorporates green thinking.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire received the 2018 Partner for Change Award by Practice Greenhealth. This award honors organizations that continuously improve and expand on programs to eliminate mercury, reduce and recycle waste, source products sustainably, and more.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire also received the Greening the OR Award by Practice Greenhealth. This distinction is awarded for reducing the environmental impact of surgical suites through energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling, and reprocessing surgical devices. Operating rooms (OR) are large contributors to a health care facility's environmental footprint, creating an opportunity for significant cost savings and sustainability improvements.

Practice Greenhealth is a national organization that promotes environmentally responsible practices among health care organizations through education and information sharing among members. Award recipients have reduced use of materials containing mercury and other hazardous chemicals, as well as improved recycling rates and other sustainability practices. It takes every staff member being mindful every day about how actions affect the environment.

Green facts about Eau Claire's operations:

• In 2017, enough water was saved to fill 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• Twenty-five percent of energy used comes from renewable (carbon-free) resources.
• Through reusable sharps container program, over 5 tons of plastic from landfill and 6,400 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year are diverted.
• The 11,000 square feet of vegetative roofing filters and cools rainwater before it drains into storm sewers.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire was among the first to receive the Green Business designation from the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce. Businesses submit applications and are selected for recognition based on efforts in recycling, waste prevention, energy and water conservation, as well as environmentally sustainable practices in purchasing, transportation and environmental advocacy among staff.

“We’re committed to being a good neighbor to our community and our environment,” says Gordy Howie, director of Maintenance-Facilities Services at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Check out more information on how we conserve resources, and recycle and reduce waste.