Taking care of our environment is critical to ensure good health for our patients, employees and our community. Abbott Northwestern Hospital has already taken many steps to reduce electricity usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions. More is on the way as we begin major infrastructure projects.
The new Central Utility Plant will provide heating, cooling, power, and water for our hospital campus. We will replace our current inefficient system with a new, cleaner, highly efficient system. And during construction, we will use pollution control equipment to protect neighborhood air quality.
The new Purple parking Ramp will house multiple modes of transportation, a community solar garden and more.
Pollinator Plantings
With the help of a Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) Action Grant of $50,000, Allina Health planted native, pollinator-friendly plantings along the Purple Parking Ramp’s 5,000-square-foot slope near the Midtown Greenway. The new pollinator habitat includes carefully selected plants based on their bloom time and ability to grow well and prevent erosion on a steep slope. A host of vibrant pollinator plantings—purple coneflower, Muskingum dogwood, rough blazing star, to name a few—now greets hospital patients and local residents.
Learn more about these pollinator-friendly plantings.
Community Solar Garden
Cooperative Energy Futures will build a solar roof on the Purple Parking Ramp. Community solar gardens allow residents to subscribe to solar power and get a credit on their Xcel Energy bill. This community solar garden will generate approximately one megawatt of electricity. That’s enough energy to power 150-180 homes.
Community Promenade
Along the Midtown Greenway, a sidewalk promenade will connect Chicago Avenue and Elliot Avenue. This currently unused space will create a more vibrant street level. It will also include native plants that will attract pollinators and manage storm water.
Concept drawing of a new promenade along the Transportation Hub on Chicago Avenue, adjacent to the Greenway
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Multi-modal transportation includes a variety of ways travelers get to and from their destination. We are doing our part to help get our employees to work while also reducing transport emissions.
Alternatives to Driving to Work Alone - FLEXcommute
In November 2019, Allina Health launched a commuter program called FLEXcommute, powered by Luum, to promote alternatives to driving to work alone.
Walking and Biking
Transit
Learn more about environmental sustainability efforts at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Allina Health.