Keeping green: reducing energy consumption without harming the budget.

L ately, the proposed cap and trade policy, carbon taxes, and other regulations designed to lower energy consumption and emission have garnered a lot of buzz. Much of this publicity implies that “being green” is not just responsible but also fun and profitable. The literature on green hospitals touts the many benefits that may accrue as a result of this effort, including fewer medical errors, better healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction, higher staff retention and morale, and greater operational savings. Probably the biggest advantage is that it positions the healthcare organization as a good neighbor, something that could bring in additional business. The hard truth is, any scheme for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions costs something—and sometimes, it is a lot. Considering that many healthcare institutions are currently on financial life support, the timing is less than optimal. How can a cash-strapped hospital implement necessary green measures but at the same time protect its income statement? This column offers several practical and low-cost approaches that healthcare organizations throughout the United States have taken.