Baystate Partners with WMECo to Improve Energy Efficiency

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health and Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WMECo) have further enhanced their partnership in creating a more energy-efficient health system by agreeing to implement several energy-efficiency programs over the next three years.

The purpose of the partnership, originally established in an agreement in 2012, is to provide a road map of sustainability support and to realize established energy-reduction goals for both Baystate Health and WMECo, which are aimed at reducing Baystate Health’s costs and increasing overall efficiency.

“WMECo is a valuable community partner that has been instrumental in our ongoing work to increase efficiency and lower costs. Thanks to their expertise, we have also been able to reduce our carbon footprint by lowering emissions and greenhouse gases,” said Mike Moran, vice president of Clinical, Facilities, and Guest Services at Baystate Health.

The plan includes the latest energy-efficient technology, including lighting upgrades, installing occupancy sensors in hallways and offices, using high-efficiency condensing boilers, and employing variable-speed drives to control pumps and fans.

 “Together, we’ve been very successful at identifying incentives and rebates that will help us continue our work in energy efficiency throughout the community,” said Tilak Subrahmanian, vice president of Energy Efficiency at Northeast Utilities, WMECo’s parent company. “The care delivered at Baystate Health facilities is vitally important to our community. Helping save energy and reduce costs enables Baystate to maintain maximum focus on its critical mission of providing high-quality healthcare services.”

WMECo will provide Baystate Health with an incentive payment based on an annual fixed rate inclusive of pilots, studies, publicity, and other costs and expenses associated with all energy-efficiency and conservation projects.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside WMECo in exploring new ways to become more energy-efficient, and look forward to continuing this beneficial relationship for years to come,” said Sean Gouvin, director of Facilities and Engineering Operations at Baystate Health. “We’ve charted an aggressive course to improve the overall health of our facilities that will have such a positive impact on our patients, staff, and the environment. It directly connects to our mission to build a healthier community.”