Energy costs are climbing at alarming rates. Not including campus growth, Gundersen Health System's energy costs were increasing at a rate of more than $350,000 per year in 2007. That made energy reduction a top priority. To meet our goal of being 100% energy independent, meaning we'll produce as much renewable energy as we use, we are engaging in energy efficiency programs and smart business strategies. Gundersen uses energy-saving practices along with energy-efficient equipment, medical technologies, office supplies and building materials to improve the performance of our facilities.

Gundersen completed comprehensive energy audits at several campuses. Using those findings, the health system teamed up with Focus on Energy and other outside engineering consultants to perform retrocommissioning. The retrocommissioning process examines heating and cooling systems, lighting and employee behavior and uses low-cost or no cost measures to improve efficiency and reduce energy demand. By the end of 2009, the process helped us achieve a 25 percent improvement in our energy efficiency and more than $1 million in annual savings.

Case Studies:

• Unique data center design leads to energy efficiency
• Low-cost changes lead to big energy savings
• New lighting leads to many benefits
• Simple fix leads to energy savings - running exhaust fans only when needed
• Cooling system changes lead to quick energy payback
• Energy savings by turning off boilers and capturing heat
• Automatic computer shutdown will lead to $40,000 in annual energy savings
• Infrastructure investment leads to significant energy savings