Community, Spectrum Health West Michigan
Spectrum Health West Michigan and CMS Energy
Energy from the project will help power the health system’s rehabilitation center
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 3, 2022 – As part of the BHSH System’s goal to make its facilities carbon neutral by 2040, Spectrum Health West Michigan and CMS Energy are partnering to develop a 2.35-acre solar array in Grand Rapids. The future solar array will help power the health system’s planned 80-bed subacute rehabilitation center on Leffingwell Avenue NE.
“Developing this solar array reflects our intentional efforts to make a positive impact for the communities we serve, not only through exceptional health care and coverage but also to advance ecological sustainability,” says Tina Freese Decker, President & CEO, BHSH System. “Our collective health is very much dependent on our environment, and as a health organization, our actions matter. This solar array supports our existing efforts and with the partnership of CMS Energy and the City of Grand Rapids we will help fulfill our pledge to achieve carbon neutral facilities.”
The solar array aligns with Spectrum Health’s overarching sustainability goals to invest in local communities, environmentally friendly products and services, and diverse businesses. The ultimate goal is to operate carbon neutral health care facilities by 2040.
Permits are currently being sought by CMS Energy to proceed with development of the array. The energy provider will also own and operate the energy producing system on the Spectrum Health-owned property.
“We are thrilled to partner with yet another Michigan company that is taking a step forward to protect our planet,” said Garrick Rochow, CEO and President of CMS Energy. “CMS Energy and Spectrum Health share a commitment to Michigan’s clean energy transformation, and we’re proud to be working together to bring this project to life. Their new solar array builds on CMS Energy’s goal of supporting our customers’ success, serving our planet, and strengthening Michigan’s future.”
“The solar array will produce roughly 660 MWh of energy per year, enough to cover 16% of the facility’s electrical energy needs,” said Brian Rich, senior vice president and chief customer officer of CMS Energy. “That is the equivalent to powering 76 Michigan homes year around or offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from 80 passenger cars annually. This project is another example of how we work every day with our Michigan customers to develop clean, affordable energy solutions.”
The solar project is projected to be operational by the end of this year.
ABOUT CMS: CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses. Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
About BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan: People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our long and continuing legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Our award-winning team improves health, inspires hope and saves lives across 13 counties in West Michigan. We bring together 11 hospitals—including Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, with expert care from 350+ pediatric specialists in 70+ specialties and programs—three rehabilitation and nursing centers, 120 outpatient sites and telehealth services. We are proud to work with 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, including Spectrum Health Medical Group, one of the largest and most comprehensive multispecialty physician groups in West Michigan.
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In The News
February 29, 2024