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Friday, October 14, 2022
After years of planning, Agrace today announced it is working to become carbon neutral by 2025. The Madison-based nonprofit health care organization plans to do its part to care for the environment of southern Wisconsin, just as it cares for its people.
Agrace’s efforts will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by ensuring efficient building operations, funding methods of generating renewable energy at its Madison and Janesville inpatient units and offices, purchasing “green” power—such as that from wind and solar—and offsetting remaining emissions.
Carbon footprints are calculated using an emission “inventory.” Agrace is partnering with Resource Innovations, an energy consulting business, on its inventory and carbon-neutral strategy. Collaborating with Resource Innovations, Agrace has measured its carbon footprint using data from sources such as utility bills for Agrace-owned and leased facilities, staff commuting mileage, fleet records, mileage reimbursement and more. The resulting carbon footprint was determined to be 4,730 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Agrace’s carbon-neutral strategy has six main components:
“Changes in our climate are tied to increasing risks to human health, including poor air quality, the spread of certain diseases, reduced food and water quality, and extreme weather conditions. Some of these changes, like extreme heat, can directly affect Agrace’s patient and clients,” said Lynne Sexten, Agrace president and CEO.
Agrace also has internal initiatives underway that aren’t required for carbon neutrality but are tangible ways employees can help support Agrace’s larger project. These actions include recycling, sustainable purchasing, and reducing or eliminating waste sent to landfills.
“As a nonprofit, Agrace is ‘of the community’ and governed ‘by the community.’ Reducing our carbon footprint highlights our commitment to being a responsible and forward-looking participant in the greater good of the community. We also anticipate there will be intangible benefits, like employee recruitment and engagement,” explained Sexten. “Our employees are very passionate about this initiative and excited to see the impact Agrace can make.”
Agrace is a nonprofit health care organization that provides personal care, adult day services, supportive care, hospice care and grief support to people who are aging, seriously ill or dying in southern Wisconsin. Most of the agency’s services are provided in people’s homes.
More information about Agrace’s Carbon Neutral plan is available at agrace.org/green. For more information about Agrace, call (608) 276-4660 or visit agrace.org.
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