Inova Health System Supports Sustainable Climate Resilience Health Care Facilities Initiative

Falls Church, Virginia – December 15, 2014 – At a White House event today, Inova Health System enhanced its commitment to support the resilience of Inova facilities to a changing climate.  As part of the President’s Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created the Sustainable and Climate Resilient Health Care Facilities Initiative to develop tools and information to help health care facilities prepare for the impacts of climate change and increase their resilience.  Today, as part of this Initiative, the Administration released a best practices guide for health care providers, design professionals, policymakers, and others to promote continuity of care before, during, and after extreme weather events.

Inova will use this guide to help assess the potential adverse effects of climate change and adopt practices that will improve its climate readiness.  Inova will amplify its current environmental sustainability program.  Inova has been making improvements to its facilities focused on reducing our environmental footprint and better utilize our resources including energy.

As a global leader and innovator in the field of healthcare sustainability, Inova Health System is focused on continuing our commitment to the health of our community and environment.  Inova has garnered national recognition for its sustainability efforts.  The organization has received more than 20 Partner for Change and System for Change awards from Practice Greenhealth, is a designated Best Workplace for Commuters, and in 2013 received the Crystal Award from the Virginia Sustainable Building Network.

Media Contact: Tracy Connell, tracy.connell@inova.org

About Inova Health System
Inova is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services.  Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova recognizes that being a world-class healthcare provider involves caring for our environment, in addition to caring for our patients. We understand the health of our environment affects the health of our patients and community, and acknowledge that green initiatives and sustainability programs need to encompass three basic tenets: ecology, economy and social equity. The programs we design and implement are designed to seek a balance among these tenets.  For more information visit: www.inova.org/sustainability.