Emplify Health by Bellin Children & Adolescent Center Shines with Solar Energy

GREEN BAY — The Emplify Health by Bellin Children & Adolescent Center is an innovative care facility that’s also bringing future-forward thinking to its energy consumption, taking steps to achieving net-zero energy levels with state-of-the-art solar panels. It’s an added step in Emplify Health’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

During construction of the Children & Adolescent Center, 580 solar panels were installed on the roof, each with a capacity of 410 watts. 

“We designed the center to be innovative in care and in how it operates,” said Paul Vlies, Vice President Real Estate with Emplify Health. “With the solar panels we are reducing our energy costs and contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.” 

Mark Guth, Emplify Health by Bellin Team Leader Facilities Maintenance has been keeping an eye on the power outputs for the solar panels, which will generate about 284,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. That output is equivalent to powering 11 single-family homes. 

“When the sun is shinning bright, our solar panels are able to fully power this facility,” Guth said.

Emplify Health has been a leader in healthcare sustainability, with new and existing facilities being equipped with renewable energy alternatives. Along with the Children & Adolescent Center, the Emplify Health by Bellin Surgery & Specialty Center is equipped with solar panels to reduce its environmental impact. In 2015, Gundersen Health System (now Emplify Health by Gundersen) became the first net-zero energy health system in the U.S. Its many renewable energy efforts recently have included a parking ramp that generates 10 percent of the hospital’s electrical needs. 

“Taking care of our patients and communities goes beyond physical and mental health,” added Vlies. “When we look at how we can improve our environmental health, we in turn create healthier and thriving places to live and work.”