Washington - US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Regional Administrator George Pavlou to launch a new green hospital initiative at the Bayonne Medical Center. Through a partnership agreement, the first of its kind between the federal agency and a New Jersey hospital, both organizations will work together to achieve specific clean energy goals. With technical assistance and support from EPA and its Energy Star Program, the Bayonne Medical Center will audit its operating procedures and energy usage to develop a plan to reduce energy it by 10 percent, as well as reduce potable water usage.

Dan Kane, President and CEO of the Bayonne Medical Center; Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith; and other elected officials also participated in the event.

"This will be the first green hospital initiative with the EPA in the state of New Jersey, leading the way as a model for green medical centers for New Jersey and the nation," said Senator Menendez. "Doctors understand that over 400 New Jerseyans must be admitted to hospitals every year because of pollution from power plants. By reducing their energy use the Bayonne Medical Center is not only helping the environment and saving money, but they are also protecting public health. I congratulate the EPA and the Bayonne Medical Center for partnering on this trailblazing project."

CAPTION: US Senator Robert Menendez D-NJ (center) joins Freeholder Doreen M. DiDomenico; Assemblyman Jason O'Donnell; Mayor Mark Smith; EPA Deputy Regional Administrator George Pavlou; and Dan Kane, President and CEO Bayonne Medical Center to launch a green hospital initiative at the Bayonne Medical Center.

***EPA FACT SHEET***

Under its Memorandum of Understanding with EPA, Bayonne Medical Center has agreed to:

• Install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roof of its parking garage.

• Implement a program to separate the collection of food waste for composting, which will decrease the need to send organic materials to landfills.

• Achieve at least a 10% reduction in energy consumption, and become an EPA Energy Star partner.

• Boost solid waste recycling and the re-use of industrial materials, including recycling of electronic waste and fluorescent bulbs. Bayonne Medical Center will also join EPA's WasteWise program.

• Improve its sustainable landscaping, water conservation and stormwater management programs, with the assistance of WaterSense products and through consultation with EPA's Greenscapes program.

• Use environmentally friendly construction materials and energy efficient lighting fixtures.

• Recycle or Reprocess medical equipment lamps, batteries, laser toner and inkjet cartridges.

• Reduce air pollution from vehicles and other internal combustion engines used in construction and operation of its facilities.

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