SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM MCALLEN EARNS U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION
Only 30 general medicine and surgical hospitals in Texas have ever received the certification for superior energy performance
For decades, global warming and climate change have been hot topics around the world. Repeatedly, scientists have released data on the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns caused mainly by human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, which produces heat-trapping gases. In October 2022, United Nations expert Ian Fry called climate change “the greatest threat the world has ever faced.”
With buildings accounting for nearly 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions, according to Architecture 2030, energy efficiency has become a top priority for businesses and corporations across the globe, including South Texas Health System, to protect the environment.
South Texas Health System McAllen recently earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy performance, earning a rating of 89. This signifies that STHS McAllen, the largest of South Texas Health System’s 11 facilities across the region, is more energy efficient than 89% of similar buildings nationwide.
Currently, there are 375 general medical and surgical hospitals in the nation and only 30 in Texas to ever receive this certification.
Over the last five years, STHS McAllen has implemented a variety of energy-efficient measures to earn this specialty certification, including the installation of LED lighting, upgrading the hospital’s existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to current industry design standards and the optimization of building controls.
“South Texas Health System’s commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond providing medical care; we’re dedicated to helping protect the planet. This ENERGY STAR certification is proof of our promise,” says Todd Mann, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System McAllen. “By saving energy and reducing our carbon footprint, we’re doing our part to combat climate change and help save the planet for future generations.”
ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants are verified to perform in the top 25% of buildings nationwide, based on weather-normalized source energy use that considers the occupancy, hours of operation, and other key metrics. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.
On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants use 35% less energy, cause 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than their peers — all without sacrifices in performance or comfort. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings protects our environment.
South Texas Health System McAllen’s current facility, located at 301 W. Expressway 83 in McAllen, opened in December 1985. To learn more about the hospital, visit www.sthsmcallen.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
