Solar Power: Kaiser Permanente answers President Obama's call

KP Pledges 40-to-50-Megawatt Increase in solar power generation

                Kaiser Permanente pledged to increase its onsite use of solar power during 2014, answering President Obama’s call today during his Bay Area visit for a national effort to increase the amount of “clean electricity” during the coming years.

                “Kaiser Permanente is committed to the health of the communities we serve,” said Kathy Gerwig, vice president and environmental stewardship officer of Kaiser Permanente. “Harnessing renewable energy to power the care we provide reflects our dedication to improving the health of our members and the communities we serve.”

                Kaiser Permanente was named in a White House news release today talking about organizations and companies that have committed to increasing the use of solar power, and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.

                Already, several Kaiser Permanente Northern California Medical Centers use solar power. A large solar array at the KP Santa Clara Medical Center (See photo) has been providing up to 10-percent of the facility’s electrical needs for several years. Similar installations are already in use at the KP Vallejo Hospital and a large Kaiser Permanente administrative facility  in Livermore.

                There are plans for solar power at Kaiser Permanente locations in Hawaii, the new Oakland Medical Center, and a KP facility in Colorado.

                Greenhouse gas emissions are a known contributor to climate change and the rise of pollution and disease. In 2012, Kaiser Permanente adopted a national sustainable energy policy and launched an ambitious strategy to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020 (compared to 2008 levels). Developing onsite generation of renewable power plays a significant role in reducing its carbon emissions and meeting its 2020 goal.