Hackensack Meridian Health Receives the Sustainable Jersey Business Leadership Award

Sustainable Jersey presented Hackensack Meridian Health with the Sustainable Business Leadership Award which recognizes a New Jersey company that has demonstrated a significant commitment to the core sustainability principles of people, planet, and prosperity, along with strong support for values that the Sustainable Jersey program advances.

Hackensack Meridian Health is an outstanding example of how a health care system can take sustainability and community responsibility seriously and contribute locally to improving the quality of life in New Jersey. “The air we breathe and the food we eat play an important role in promoting better health and well-being. As the largest health network in New Jersey, it’s our responsibility to increase and improve access to both so residents throughout the Garden State can live healthier, more productive lives. We’re honored to be recognized by Sustainable Jersey and are committed to creating healthier communities for generations to come,” said Kyle Tafuri, director of sustainability for Hackensack Meridian Health.

Hackensack Meridian Health is New Jersey’s largest health care system and a nationally recognized leader in sustainability.  Hackensack University Medical Center, the network’s flagship hospital, earned national recognition as a Practice Greenhealth Top 25 Green Hospital—one of only three hospitals in the United States, and the only hospital in the tristate area to receive this recognition—for a seventh consecutive year. All of Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals are enrolled in utility and state programs for energy efficiency funding which resulted in $30 million commitment to energy efficiency at six of its hospitals. At the height of the pandemic, Hackensack Meridian Health partnered with local farms and community groups to provide over 140,000 pounds of local produce that provided 117,250 meals to families in need. Hackensack Meridian Health continued to drive safer chemicals throughout its network by standardizing all cleaning products to meet green third party certification.

Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey said, “Hackensack Meridian Health is a much-needed sustainability partner to all of the communities they serve. From providing fresh produce at no cost to distressed communities at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to standardizing the use of sustainable and green cleaning products, Hackensack Meridian Health is a leader in its commitment to sustainability and a cleaner environment. Their dedication to waste reduction, energy efficiency and wellness reflects and contributes to the goals of the Sustainable Jersey program actions.”