MemorialCare, a prominent health care provider in Southern California, is proud to announce that several of its facilities have been recognized with the prestigious Energy to Care (E2C) Awards. These awards, presented by the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), acknowledge exceptional achievements in energy management and sustainability within healthcare organizations.
Laurie Sicaeros, MemorialCare’s Chief Strategy Officer and leader of the Climate Health initiative, expressed immense pride in the team’s dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency. “The health care industry has traditionally faced challenges in managing 24-hour operations, waste from single-use equipment and procedures, and more. I am proud that our team has implemented plans and investments to reduce energy consumption and minimize our carbon footprint, aligning with our mission to care for both our patients and our planet,” she stated.
Eight MemorialCare locations were named on the list, including Orange Coast Medical Center, the Children’s Village – a pediatric outpatient specialty center, two outpatient specialty centers, and two primary care offices from Long Beach and South Orange County. The Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach garnered recognition as a LEED Gold building for its sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, and healthier indoor environment.
While acknowledging that more work needs to be done, Sicaeros expressed satisfaction with the progress made to date and enthusiasm for creating a more sustainable future. These awards underscore MemorialCare’s commitment to reducing energy consumption and advancing environmentally responsible practices across its network. This commitment is driven by the Climate Health Initiative, in partnership with Ecom-Energy, Inc., which serves as the framework for sustainable practices, emissions reduction, and resource conservation strategies.
The recognition reflects the facilities’ innovative approaches and technologies, contributing to energy efficiency and reduced operational costs. In addition, MemorialCare’s Simply Greener program encourages employee participation in sustainability efforts through initiatives like staff-led trash cleanups, organic waste collection, participation in World Cleanup Day, and sustainability training. The program also aims to eliminate Styrofoam usage, reduce paper waste, promote employee pledges for eco-friendly practices, and explore food recovery and donation initiatives across multiple campuses.
The Energy to Care Awards represent ASHE’s commitment to promoting best practices in energy management within the health care sector. Facilities are evaluated based on criteria such as energy usage reduction, innovative technologies, and overall impact on sustainability.
MemorialCare is a not-for-profit, integrated health care delivery system with 225 care locations, including leading hospitals, medical groups, research programs, health plans, and numerous outpatient centers throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. The organization has garnered numerous accolades for its commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction, including recognition as one of the Nation’s Best Health Systems, Top 50 U.S. Hospitals, and Best Hospitals in both Orange County and Long Beach.
The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) is a national organization dedicated to advancing the field of health care engineering. ASHE supports the development of energy-efficient and sustainable practices within the health care industry through resources, education, and recognition.
