Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital earns ENERGY STAR® certification for 2024

Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg has become the first hospital in Nova Scotia to earn the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification. 

This achievement places the South Shore facility among an elite group of only seven hospitals nationwide that that have met the ENERGY STAR standard. 

An ENERGY STAR-certified building is known for its outstanding energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. In 2024, the hospital achieved an ENERGY STAR score of 92, meaning it is more energy-efficient than 92 percent of similar buildings across Canada. The certification reflects dedication to reducing energy consumption, lowering operating costs, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. 

Hospital officials, supporters and staff celebrated the occasion with a ceremony earlier this month where Nathaniel Schrader of EfficiencyOne presented a commemorative certificate and  plaque to hospital site lead and health services manager Troy Routledge.  

“This award is a testament to the strong partnership between EfficiencyOne and Nova Scotia Health to implementing these smart and sustainable solutions to improving building performance, while maintaining the highest standards of patient care,” said Schrader. EfficiencyOne is a provider of energy efficiency and carbon mitigation services based in Nova Scotia 

The plaque and certificate will be displayed in the hospital entrance, serving as a visible reminder of the site’s dedication to environmental stewardship and a greener future. 

“Our facility had to be professionally verified that we operate more energy efficiently than at least 75 per cent of similar buildings nationwide,” John Hann, Nova Scotia Health’s director of maintenance and operations, told those gathered at the event. “We had to confirm the building operates in accordance with industry standards for indoor environmental quality.” 

Hann credited the site’s environmental stewardship program, managed by Robert Barss, and the partnership with EfficiencyOne as playing major roles in the program’s success.   “I appreciate your efforts and what you did,” Hann said, noting Nova Scotia Health has been taking steps to improve energy efficiency across all its facilities. 

“To date, the hospital’s environmental stewardship program has implemented energy savings projects that have reduced almost 34,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and saved nearly $6 million annually,” Hann added. “Our little program has done a lot for Nova Scotia Health, in my opinion.” 

As the largest employer in the province, with over 220 hospitals, health centres, clinics and related facilities, the organization plays a key role in environmental responsibility. Hospitals consume significant amounts of energy, water, and materials, making sustainability efforts essential. 

“At Fishermen's Memorial Hospital, the focus on energy improvements took place in areas such as our building automation systems which manage the programming, scheduling and sensors that detect heating, ventilation, air conditioning, humidity and CO2.” 

Site lead Troy Routledge credited Barss and the maintenance and operations team for leading the environmental charge in helping the hospital save over $140,000 annually through its green commitments. 

“We're protecting both our public health and the environment,” Routledge said. “We are proud to lead by example.” 

In line with the mission at Nova Scotia Health – to create healthy communities for generations - the efforts made to earn this recognition also enhances the patient experience and create better workspaces for healthcare providers.  

Self-sufficiency programs are taking shape in major hospital renovations and expansions across the province. At the same time, sites are looking for opportunities to become more environmentally conscious where it makes sense. For example, at All Saints Hospital in Springhill has upgraded its laundry facilities, replacing aging washers and dryers with high-efficiency models that support bigger loads, improve workflows, and create safer work environments. 

Photo of Nova Scotia Health staff and supporters celebrate Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital’s ENERGY STAR certification during a ceremony at the Lunenburg facility.