Sharp HealthCare Invests in 100 Percent Clean Energy from San Diego Community Power
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Sharp HealthCare Invests in 100 Percent Clean Energy from San Diego Community Power
As the region’s first health system to choose 100 percent renewable energy for its eligible accounts, Sharp estimates it will remove 6,500+ metric tons of CO2 a year or 18 metric tons per day from our environment; the equivalent of reducing gas usage by 2,205 gallons per day.
San Diego, Calif. – (Apr. 18, 2022) – San Diego Community Power (SDCP), the not-for-profit community choice energy program, today announced Sharp HealthCare has opted up to the Power100 energy tier. Sharp will now power all facilities eligible for SDCP service with 100% clean, renewable energy from SDCP.
As an industry leader recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies, Sharp focuses its All Ways Green sustainability efforts on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization, sustainable food practices, and commuting solutions for its 19,000 workers. In addition to being the region’s first health care provider to choose 100% renewable energy, Sharp was also the first health care system in the County to offer electric vehicle charging stations for employees and visitors. Sharp also reprocesses used medical supplies to support health care in developing nations and partners with Imperfect Produce to use food rejected by grocery vendors for patient and visitor meals. Many of Sharp’s major facilities are also Energy Star or LEED certified.
“Sharp HealthCare is extremely proud to be the first health system in San Diego to join the Power100 Champions,” said Chris Howard, president and CEO of Sharp. “This investment reflects our commitment to the environment and will elevate our standing as a sustainability champion in San Diego. Moving to this program will produce immediate tangible results. We’ll reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by more than 6,500 metric tons each year or 18 metric tons a day.”
“SDCP and Sharp HealthCare have a shared vision of making our communities healthier,” said Encinitas Deputy Mayor Joe Mosca, Chair of the SDCP Board of Directors. “We know the impact our environment has on our health. More renewable energy means less pollution and cleaner air. By opting-up to Power100, Sharp will be directly contributing to a greener and healthier San Diego.”
The announcement during Earth Week highlights recent efforts to fight climate change. Sharp joins the ranks of local sustainability leaders including the San Diego International Airport and Illumina in choosing 100% clean, renewable energy. These local examples of environmental stewardship are positive steps that align with the U.N’s latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which calls for urgent action to curb global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The report confirms that these shifts in energy usage will play a critical role in limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“One of the centerpieces of our ambitious Climate Action Plan is shifting power customers to renewable power, and we need our community institutions to lead the way,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’m excited Sharp HealthCare has joined other respected local organizations in stepping up to address climate change by committing to 100 percent clean energy. These Power100 Champions should inspire other businesses to be leaders in sustainability.“
Moving Forward To A Cleaner Future
SDCP continues to build momentum as the clean energy provider of choice in the region. SDCP launched municipal service in February 2021 and commercial and industrial service in the founding cities of Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, and San Diego in June 2021. This year, it expanded its service to residents of these cities, and by the end of May will serve nearly 800,000 customers. In 2023, it will extend into the unincorporated areas of San Diego County and National City, for a total enrollment of close to one million customers.
“We are thrilled our region’s business leaders are stepping up to answer the call to fight climate change,” said Karin Burns, CEO of SDCP. “When businesses choose SDCP as their electricity provider, it aligns well with their long-term business interests and a shared concern for future generations.”
SDCP offers competitive rates for significantly greener energy and will reinvest excess revenues in the communities it serves. SDCP has two service levels, PowerOn, which provides 50% renewable energy, and Power100, a 100% renewable energy service. Customers can change service levels or opt-out of the service at any time. SDG&E will continue to deliver power, manage monthly billing and customer service, and provide ongoing system maintenance.
About SDCP
San Diego Community Power (SDCP) is a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) committed to providing municipalities, businesses, and residents in the six-member cities and unincorporated San Diego County with clean, renewable energy at competitive rates and investing in innovative programs that benefit the environment and the economy in our communities. Learn more at www.sdcommunitypower.org.
ABOUT SHARP HEALTHCARE
Sharp HealthCare, San Diego’s most comprehensive health care delivery system, is recognized for clinical excellence in cardiac, cancer, multi-organ transplantation, orthopedics, rehabilitation, behavioral health, women’s health, home health and hospice services. Sharp HealthCare has been widely acclaimed for its commitment to transform the health care experience for patients, physicians and staff through an organization-wide performance improvement initiative called The Sharp Experience. The Sharp HealthCare system includes four acute-care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, two affiliated medical groups, a health plan, and numerous outpatient facilities and programs. To learn more about Sharp, visit Sharp Health News.
