Non-profit Henry Ford Health System has taken a step forward towards reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, by enrolling into DTE Energy’s voluntary renewable energy program, MIGreenPower.
Starting in 2023, the healthcare organization will purchase wind and solar energy from DTE Energy. Approximately 19,100 megawatt hours or 10% of this purchased electricity will come from Michigan-made renewable energy. This proportion will gradually increase to 100% by 2029.
“Sustainability is an integral part of building strong, healthy communities. At Henry Ford, health equity is at the foundation of everything we do," Henry Ford Health System’s President of Healthcare Operations and Chief Operations Officer, Bob Riney said. "It’s an unfortunate fact that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by poor environmental conditions, which are exacerbated by climate change. By investing in clean, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, we aim to address health disparities and the growing impacts of climate change regionwide, especially in our historically marginalized communities.”
The clean energy supply from DTE Energy will start once the energy firm’s infrastructure comes online, which is likely to happen in late 2023. With the initial purchase, the Henry Ford Health System’s greenhouse gas emissions will reduce by approximately 13,536 metric tons.
Additionally, the Henry Ford Health System is working with other utility providers to reduce energy consumption, which also includes exploring renewable energy options. It is working with DTE Energy and other partners to explore energy conservation methods, like HVAC upgrades and lighting replacement.
Founded in 1915 by Henry Ford himself, Henry Ford Health System is a non-profit, academic, and integrated health system comprising five acute-care hospitals, three behavioral health facilities, a health plan, and 250+ care sites including medical centers, walk-in and urgent care clinics, pharmacies, eye care facilities and other health care operations. The health system has more than 33,000 employees.
