Stony Brook University
EN-16: Hospital Network

In August 2009, Stony Brook University's Medical Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formally create a mutually beneficial working relationship between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Stony Brook University Medical Center. In addition to the above, the Stony Brook University Medical Center has achieved the following Environmental Achievement Awards; 2011 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award Stony Brook University Hospital was again awarded the Partner for Change award by Practice Greenhealth. Stony Brook University Hospital was noted for its recycling rate of 27%. 2010 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award with Distinction Stony Brook University Hospital was awarded The Partner for Change, With Distinction Award which recognizes health care facilities that have achieved improvements in their mercury elimination, waste reduction and pollution prevention programs. This includes at least 15 percent recycling, an extensive sustainability program and a show of leadership in the local community and/or in the health care sector. The Committee was impressed with the Hospital's solid waste reduction programs, reprocessing of medical equipment, and pharmaceutical waste programs. 2010 SterilMed Best Practice for Environmental Excellence Stony Brook University Medical Center has been awarded the Best Practice for Environmental Excellence Award. Stony Brook is recognized for reprocessing and recycling medical devices. SterilMed commended Stony Brook for their strong commitment to the reprocessing program and for their efforts in protecting the environment. 2009 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award Stony Brook University Hospital for a second year was recognized by Practice Greenhealth with the Partner for Change award. Not only did Stony Brook meet the criteria of recycling 10% of their total waste but the award review committee recognized the following projects: ■Green Team ■NICU nurses water filter and recycling programs ■Energy conservation project with the air handling units and variable speed drive ■Pharmaceutical waste spreadsheet addressing hazardous drug disposal ■IV infusion pump trade-in for credit project ■Environmental Protection Program ■Low RMW generation rate ■Reprocessing medical devices 2008 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award Stony Brook University Hospital received The Partner for Change Award for continuously improving and expanding upon their mercury elimination, waste reduction, and pollution prevention programs. Besides meeting the 10% recycling rate required to receive the award, the award review committee was impressed with the following programs: ■OR Fluid Management ■MSDS waste code project ■Energy efficiency projects ■Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects. 2007 Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Quality Award Stony Brook University Hospital was awarded the EPA Environmental Quality award for significantly reducing its use of mercury; increasing its paper, cardboard and wood pallet recycling; increasing its use of green products; establishing a hazardous waste minimization and recycling program; promoting sustainability and introducing an integrated pest management program. 2006 H2E Making Medicine Mercury Free Award The Making Medicine Mercury-Free was awarded to Stony Brook University Hospital to recognize that they have virtually eliminated mercury and have made a commitment to continue to be "mercury free."