System Recognized for Innovative Work in Conservation

ARLINGTON, Texas - Texas Health Resources is proud to be honored as a Texan by Nature TxN 20 industry leader in sustainability and conservation for the sixth consecutive time. It is the only health system to be recognized this year.

"The Mission of Texas Health is to improve the health of the people in the communities we serve, and optimizing our environment of care is one way we accomplish this Mission," said Barclay Berdan, FACHE, CEO of Texas Health. "We always strive to be mindful of our footprint, implementing sustainability efforts and looking for ways to improve."

Texan by Nature (TxN) is a nonprofit organization founded by former first lady Laura Bush to bring conservation and business together for the benefit of Texas. The TxN 20 honor recognizes the best and most innovative work in conservation in the state.

"We conscientiously manage natural resources and materials to reduce consumption, costs and environmental impacts," said Shaun Clinton, senior vice president, Supply Chain Management.

Texas Health is using conservation measures that reduce waste, energy and water consumption and build and operate locations. For example, expansion projects at Texas Health Hospital Frisco, Texas Health Hospital Mansfield and the nine-story Jane and John Justin Tower at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth meet green building guidelines and design excellence standards.

The system is making strategic investments to operate more efficiently and consume fewer materials while also reducing health disparities, addressing social determinants of health and improving health outcomes for North Texans with limited resources.

"We proudly contribute impactfully to our communities," said David Tesmer, chief community and public policy officer for Texas Health. "We believe it's our social responsibility to improve the welfare of North Texas communities through efforts that promote their well-being."

Texas Health conservation and sustainability initiatives include:

• Recycling about 1.2 million pounds of cardboard at seven hospitals and recycling nearly 311,000 pounds of mixed materials, such as cans, paper and plastic, at nine hospitals.
• Collecting and reprocessing 221,684 pounds of medical supplies and diverting 49,410 pounds of single-use devices from landfills.
• Participating in the North Texas Health Care Laundry Cooperative, which allows Texas Health to wash linens using 50% less water, chemicals and energy.
• Partnering with local governments, schools and other organizations through Blue Zones Project Fort Worth and Community Health Improvement to fund, develop and manage more than 4 acres of vacant city land as urban farms and community gardens. More than 20 school gardens are also supported through the project.
• Collecting rainwater and air conditioner condensation for reuse in landscaping and cooling towers.
• Fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among its employees. In 2023, Texas Health employees contributed 10,655 community time off (CTO) hours to more than 300 nonprofit organizations, with more than 700 community projects in our region.

Follow this link for for more information about the 2024 Texan by Nature honorees.