JRMC goes solar with help from donors

     UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center (JRMC) recently flipped the switch on a 90kW photovoltaic solar system to help reduce its environmental footprint and to ensure that sustainability of its campus for future generations. The clean energy project was made possible thanks to JRMC Foundation hospital donors an a $25,000 Solar Moonshot Program grant, funded by Left Coast Fund and managed by Hammond Climate Solutions.

     JRMC estimates the full solar project, once completed, will account for close to 25 percent of the hospital’s energy usage, save an estimated $60,000 per year, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 100,000 pounds. The goal is to make a positive impact on patients, the community, and the environment.

     “Our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve is a broad mission,” said Eric Briesemeister, JRMC CEO. “Solar power fits into that mission nicely – with the help provided by our donors, we’ll be able to reduce our environmental impact and reap the benefits of reduced electric bills.”

     Once completed, JRMC will have over 300kW of solar panels installed on the roof of the hospital. This initial phase has installed the first 90kW of solar. This clean energy project is being funded solely by donations and grants made to JRMC Foundation. It is part of a wider campaign by the JRMC Foundation to create the future of healthcare in Jones County.

     “Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) awards and supports non-profit and government organizations that make positive impacts for the community,” said Sherri Hunt, JCCF executive director. “We want to think of long-term sustainability, not just the here and now. We awarded this grant because the project is very forward thinking. This is a great hospital for our community, and we want to continue to support them.”

     The solar power project construction began in the fall of 2019, with initial donations from local donors and the JRMC Foundation. Grants from the JCCF and grant from the Solar Moonshot Program propelled the project forward.

     “It is a privilege to support this solar project, helping JRMC reduce costs while lessening Iowa’s reliance on dirty, fossil fuels,” said Tara Hammond, founder and CEO of Hammond Climate Solutions. “We applaud JRMC for its efforts to lessen greenhouse gas emissions, reduce local air pollution, and support local green jobs while contributing toward a just and livable future.”

     “We have been so blessed by the support of our local donors, foundations, and Hammond Climate Solutions,” said Sheila Tjaden, JRMC Community Development director. “Thanks to their foresight, we were able to get this project started quickly and have started to reap the benefits of solar power almost immediately.”

     The money saved on these projects will be used for essential organizational operations, benefiting patients and staff who seek care at the medical center.

     “Each donated dollar that is saved through sustainability efforts, such as renewable energy programs, can be reinvested back into our hospital,” continued Tjaden. “Now, it is JRMC’s challenge to ‘Create Our Future;’ together we can have our dreams become a reality, invest in our future, sustain what we have, and help our family, friends, and neighbors.”

     To support the solar project and other projects at JRMC, you can donate to JRMC Foundation by calling Tjaden at 319-481-6118 or visiting the JRMC website at www.unitypoint.org/anamosa/ways-to-give.aspx.