ROCKPORT and BELFAST — MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals have earned the 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award from Practice Greenhealth, a national honor recognizing hospitals and health systems that demonstrate leadership in environmental sustainability and measurable progress in reducing their environmental impact, according to MaineHealth, in a news release.   

 

Presented by Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading nonprofit focused on environmental solutions in health care, the Greenhealth Champion Award recognizes organizations with established sustainability programs that achieve results across multiple areas of environmental performance. To qualify, organizations must report greenhouse gas emissions data and demonstrate progress in areas such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, emissions management and resource conservation.    

 

"Sustainability initiatives at both hospitals continue to deliver meaningful results," said MaineHealth.

 

MaineHealth lists the following accomplishments that lead to the Greenhealth Champion Award recognition: 

At MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, anesthetic gas emissions have been reduced by 84% through more efficient use. Anesthetic gases are commonly used during surgery to keep patients safe and comfortable, but have a significant environmental impact because they are potent greenhouse gases. By using the optimal amount needed for patient care, minimizing unnecessary excess and adopting lower-emission alternatives when appropriate, the hospital has significantly lowered its carbon footprint while maintaining high-quality care.    

 

Waldo Hospital also continues to reduce regulated medical waste, the portion of hospital waste that requires resource intensive special handling and disposal. Regulated medical waste accounts for 4% of the hospital's waste stream, compared with the national average of 6%. In addition, the hospital has completed several energy-efficient projects, including walk-in refrigeration control upgrades and building envelope improvements designed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.  

At MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, anesthetic gas emissions have been reduced by 31%. The hospital’s recycling rate has reached 29%, exceeding the national average of 23%.   

 

Pen Bay Hospital also leads the MaineHealth system in collecting surgical devices for reprocessing, reducing waste by extending the life of medical equipment that can be safely cleaned, tested and reused.   

 

In addition, the hospital has donated more than 8,600 pounds of medical supplies to Partners for World Health over the past three years, helping extend the life of usable resources while reducing waste. These donations help redirect medical supplies that are no longer needed by the hospital due to product standardization, equipment upgrades or product discontinuation to organizations and communities where they can serve a purpose.   

 

Both hospitals continue to expand efforts that reduce waste and conserve resources, including composting programs that divert food waste from landfills and lower associated greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability teams also engage staff through ongoing education and initiatives that encourage environmentally responsible practices across hospital operations and support MaineHealth’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship.   

 

“This award reflects the commitment of our care teams to improving the health of our communities in every way we can,” said Tyson Thornton, PharmD, FACHE, vice president of operations at MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals.  “The progress we’ve made shows that environmental stewardship and exceptional patient care can go hand in hand, creating healthier outcomes for our patients, our communities and the environment.”