Programs

Air/Energy

The MUHC first implemented energy-efficiency projects at its Montreal Children’s and Royal Victoria hospitals. Motivated by impressive results, projects were then launched at its Montreal Neurological and Montreal General hospitals, as well as at its Montreal Chest Institute. Phases completed and/or underway demonstrate that significant returns on investment are possible.

These self-financed projects, supported by Hydro-Québec, Gaz Métro, the Quebec government’s Agence d’efficacité énergétique and the Canadian government’s Office of Energy Efficiency, have allowed the MUHC to:

  • Generate substantial savings in energy consumption and associated costs, and consequently facilitate improved management of public funds
  • Comply with the Quebec government’s Sustainable Development Policy (Politique sur le développement durable du Québec) and Montreal’s First Strategic Sustainable Development Plan (Premier plan stratégique de développement durable de la collectivité montréalaise) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants such as HCFCs, HFCs, CO, NOX, tropospheric ozone, and other elements resulting from the reduction in the consumption of natural gas, the replacement of hydrocarbons and a reduced usage of electricity
  • To sensitize users and employees to the importance of reducing energy consumption and costs, and embracing the collective need to protect the environment and promote sustainable development

Click Energy Efficiency Projects at the MUHC [.pdf] to view 5 projects’ measures and their positive results.

Water

The MUHC has begun to implement a number of initiatives to reduce water consumption. For example, low-flow, water-saving faucets are being installed as old equipment is replaced. In addition, foam-type hand-washing devices are being used in order to promote infection control and less water consumption at the same time.

Residual Waste

The MUHC’s EMS Coordinator has joined Approvisionnements Montréal’s CAP Committee (Comité d’achats et de pratiques environnementales), as well as the internal Best Clinical Products Committee. Participation on these committees helps increase awareness amongst suppliers of the need to reduce excess packaging and to ensure materials are recyclable, as well as in line with clinical needs.

Transportation

The MUHC joined the Allégo program to encourage employees to use alternative means of travel to and from its sites. The MUHC also has a shuttle service between its sites, which aims not only to facilitate intra-hospital travel for personnel but also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicular traffic. Finally, bicycle racks are available across the MUHC.