July 27, 2006

Metro Health Hospital in Grand Rapids was honored today as the newest member of Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizen program. Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester met with hospital officials today to recognize their environmental achievements.

“Metro Health Hospital is now the first medical facility in Michigan to be a part of this environmental program,” said Director Chester. “This award represents their commitment to protecting our state's environment, and to the people of Grand Rapids.”

Director Chester highlighted several of the facility’s accomplishments including a comprehensive recycling program, their use of Green Cleaning products, developing an employee carpooling program, and earning several pollution prevention awards nationally and locally.

“We are exceptionally pleased to be recognized as the first Clean Corporate Citizen among medical facilities in our state,” said Mike Faas, president and CEO of Metro Health. “We have long been committed to the principles of sustainability and environmental health, which are demonstrated by this environmental award. I am exceptionally proud of our employees, who developed innovative, environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions to many operational issues that allow Metro Health to operate in a ‘greener’ fashion. This process will only be accelerated next year, as we prepare to move into what we feel will be the first LEED-certified hospital in the nation.”

To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system and active pollution prevention initiatives, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Clean Corporate Citizens are eligible for certain regulatory benefits under the state’s environmental programs, including expedited permit approval. The program is open to any Michigan public or private business, educational institution, medical facility or governmental agency. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised July 27, 2006 by Pat Watson