Gundersen goes environmental

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Dec 23, 2004 | by Magney, Reid

Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center is thinking greener these days.

Medical center workers took delivery Wednesday of three low-emission, Honda gas-electric hybrid cars for use by its couriers, but that's just part of the story.

"This purchase is the continued expansion of a multifaceted approach that has saved Gundersen Lutheran over $1 million in the last two years," said Dr. Jeff Thompson, Gundersen Lutheran's chief executive officer.

"Our plan is to help lead the medical community as well as the business community in demonstrating a healthier approach to the environment that also saves money," Thompson said.

Gundersen Lutheran has already reduced energy consumption, Thompson said, by focusing on reusable equipment and starting a paper recycling program that's making money.

Social worker Deb Nichols, one of 10 employees on a Gundersen Lutheran committee looking at environmental issues, said they want to "take responsibility for the health of the community as well as our patients."

Nichols said the employees will be looking at several other environmental and health issues, including the use of herbicides and pesticides on hospital grounds. "Everything is on the table," she said.

Hybrid guru Chris Schneider, president of Honda Moterwerks in La Crosse, was on hand to deliver the cars.

Schneider said the 2005 Civics are rated at about 48 miles per gallon in the city and 47 mpg on the highway.

"The main reason Gundersen Lutheran wanted these vehicles is they're ultralow emission vehicles," Schneider said.

"They produce 84 percent fewer hydrocarbons than the (year) 2000 models they're replacing."

People who buy hybrids can also get a $2,000 tax deduction, he said.

Nichols said Gundersen Lutheran may buy up to 11 hybrid vehicles for its fleet.

The first three hybrids will be used mostly by couriers who shuttle laboratory samples and other items between LaCrosse and satellite clinics from Whitehall, Wis., on the north to Decorah, Iowa, on the south.