Eight Bon Secours Mercy Health hospitals have earned the American Society for Health Care Engineering’s (ASHE) 2026 Sustainability Champions Award, recognizing leadership in reducing energy use, lowering emissions and advancing environmental stewardship.
Presented through ASHE’s Energy to Care program, the award recognizes hospitals that reduce healthcare’s environmental footprint while directing savings toward patient care. In 2026, 70 facilities across 13 health systems earned the designation, representing approximately 1.4% of organizations participating in the program.
The recognition reflects Bon Secours Mercy Health’s commitment to responsible stewardship through strategic infrastructure investments, energy-efficient technology and disciplined operating practices across its facilities.
“Environmental stewardship is integral to our Mission and our responsibility to the communities we serve. These awards recognize the dedication of our facilities management and operations teams, who work every day to improve efficiency, reduce waste and use our resources wisely in support of exceptional patient care.”
Ann Walston, vice president, Acute Care Facilities Management
Infrastructure Investments Deliver Measurable Results
Across the ministry, facilities management teams have focused on improving building performance through preventive maintenance, advanced building controls and targeted capital investments.
At Bon Secours St. Francis Eastside in Greenville, South Carolina, a major chiller replacement project introduced energy-efficient operating sequences and system optimization strategies. After the project, the hospital’s ENERGY STAR score increased from 73 to 79. The facility also reduced energy consumption by 8% compared with the previous year, avoiding approximately $30,000 in electricity costs.
At Mercy Health – Marcum and Wallace Hospital in Irvine, Kentucky, facilities management teams installed networked thermostats and refined heating hot water system operations. The changes reduced natural gas consumption by approximately 8% during warmer months while maintaining patient comfort and care standards.
In addition to the Sustainability Champions award, 14 BSMH hospitals received the Sustained Performance Award.
Local Teams Drive Systemwide Progress
Infrastructure improvements have contributed to measurable savings, but much of the ministry’s progress comes from local facilities management teams. These teams monitor, maintain and optimize building systems to improve efficiency and support long-term sustainability.
ASHE’s Energy to Care program helps health care organizations track and benchmark energy consumption and identify opportunities to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Award recipients were recognized during ASHE’s Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference in Minneapolis.
