Hospital recognized for leadership and commitment to efficient and sustainable buildings
At the Toronto Academic Health Science Network’s (TAHSN) 2nd annual Climate, Health & Sustainable Care 2025 Annual Symposium, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital was presented with the 2025 Climate & Health Award: Best in TAHSN for Low Carbon & Sustainable Buildings.
The award recognizes the extensive planning, implementation and impact of the hospital’s energy reduction program. Three key initiatives were highlighted as part of the award:
- LED lighting upgrade: In 2025, approximately 5,400 fixtures were retrofitted, reducing lighting energy load by an estimated 50 per cent.
- Weekend heating & lighting reductions: Holland Bloorview implemented a policy to discontinue heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting on non-active floors during weekends, saving up to $36,000 annually.
- Solar Power Generation: Holland Bloorview has renewable energy infrastructure in the form of solar panels. The solar array has a 52 kW capacity, producing green electricity and offsetting system hydro demand. The system generates approximately $35,000 to $40,000 per year in rebates.
Through these initiatives, Holland Bloorview expects to save over 600,000 kWh in energy and the equivalent of 108 tons in CO2 greenhouse gas emissions – directly contributing to the greening of our planet.
“I’m immensely proud of all the work we’ve done in advancing a greener health care system through innovative infrastructure upgrades, operational reforms and renewable energy adoption,” said Stewart Wong, vice president of communications, strategy and sustainability at Holland Bloorview.
“This award is a reflection of how the hospital has achieved measurable reductions in energy use and costs while supporting TAHSN in its broader efforts to make health care more environmentally sustainable.”
Holland Bloorview extends thanks to The Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health and Sustainable Care for recognizing its efforts to embed sustainability into core operations.
About the ‘Best in TAHSN’ Climate & Health Award
The Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health & Sustainable Care at University of Toronto annually hosts the Climate & Health Awards, recognizing outstanding and innovative work demonstrating leadership and excellence in sustainable policies and practices.
Health care organizations within the Toronto Academic Health Science Network can submit their nominations for consideration, and award recipients are selected through a review process undertaken by the Climate & Health Awards committee.
The 2025 Awards were presented at the Collaborative Centre’s 2025 Annual Symposium on Oct. 30, 2025.
By William Lam
