Lakeridge Health Shines as a Sustainability Trailblazer at Durham Greener Buildings Symposium

This annual event brings together innovators and changemakers in Durham Region to tackle energy efficiency and climate resilience. And Lakeridge Health proved it’s at the forefront of the movement with a remarkable eight per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its health-care facilities, earning it the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Award. This achievement underscores the organization’s steadfast dedication to shrinking its carbon footprint and making a real impact in the fight against climate change. 

But the accolades didn’t stop there. Lakeridge Health also took home the coveted Climate Leadership Award for its game-changing initiative: Project LHEAD (Lakeridge Health Electrification and Decarbonization) at the Oshawa Hospital. This visionary project, slated for completion in March 2025, is set to slash carbon emissions by an incredible 5,050 tons annually – equivalent to taking 1,150 cars off the road every year! 

Project LHEAD is making history as Canada’s first hospital project to secure funding from the federal Low Carbon Economy Challenge. Upgrades from this funding include a heat recovery chiller, off-peak electric boiler, and LED lighting retrofits. Beyond environmental benefits, these innovations will generate more than $1 million in yearly savings through reduced carbon taxes and natural gas expenses. 

“We’re committed to setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency and decarbonization in health care,” said Matt Cannon, Senior Director of Infrastructure and Capital Development, Lakeridge Health. “These awards celebrate our leadership in creating a low-carbon future and pushing the boundaries of sustainable health-care practices.” 

“Lakeridge Health’s success is more than a milestone – it’s a call to action for health care and beyond,” added Chris Squire, Health System Executive, Corporate Services, and Chief Financial Officer.“ By embracing bold solutions like Project LHEAD, the organization is proving that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.” 

Learn more about Project LHEAD here.