3M recognized for expanding sustainable practices

Practice Greenhealth, a leader in promoting efficiency, environmental stewardship and patient safety, has presented its 2015 “Champion for Change” Award to 3M Health Care for the company’s success in greening its operations and for helping customers improve their environmental footprint.

“At 3M we apply science to solve customer needs every day, whether it is to help improve patient outcomes, reduce waste or use less energy,” said Ann Meitz, sustainability director, 3M Health Care Business Group.

3M was recognized for its commitment to sustainability, including:

• Preventing the generation of nearly 4 billion pounds of pollutants since 1975 through completion of more than 11,800 Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) projects.
• A 42% reduction in global water usage and 50% improved energy efficiency, indexed to net sales, since the year 2000.
• A 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, on an absolute basis, since 2002.

3M solutions for improving outcomes and sustainability in health care include:

• Medical tapes designed for single-patient use that help combat cross-contamination and reduce costs by minimizing waste.
• Forced-air patient warming blankets, proven to help reduce infection risk by sustaining normal body temperature during surgery, that are made of a lightweight material to help minimize waste after use.
• Blood and fluid warming systems, which also help reduce infection risk by keeping surgical patients warm, with tubing sets that are no longer made with Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
• In addition to health care products, 3M also makes sun-filtering window films, water filtration systems and surface cleaning products designed to help hospitals and other facilities reduce energy, water usage and waste.

“I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of the many people who have contributed to 3M’s strong track record of waste, energy and water reduction in our operations—as well as 3Mers all around the world who continue to develop innovative solutions for health care providers,” Meitz said.

The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards were presented in Portland, Oregon, May 14, at the CleanMed Conference & Exhibition, the premier national environmental conference for leaders in health care sustainability.

About 3M

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.

About Practice Greenhealth:

Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s leading health care community that empowers its members to increase their efficiencies and environmental stewardship while improving patient safety and care through tools, best practices and knowledge. To learn more about Practice Greenhealth visit www.practicegreenhealth.org.

3M Health CareJohn Cornwell, 651-733-7698