TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 6, 2013) - Ecosystem, an independent and ISO-certified Canadian firm specializing in deep energy retrofitting, is proud to announce today that its energy efficiency and sustainability efforts implemented at Lakeridge Health, have been recognized at the Green Health Care Awards. The event, sponsored by the Ontario Hospital Association and the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, honours progressive Ontario Hospitals and celebrates environmental initiatives in the health care sector.

Based in the Durham Region, Lakeridge Health implemented a multifaceted Energy Retrofit Project to improve energy efficient at the hospital's four sites. The project, developed in conjunction with Ecosystem, includes solar photovoltaic panel installation, LED lighting of an outdoor multi-level parking structure and conversion of several steam heating systems to hot water. It is expected to generate annual savings of over $1.3 million. A 1.6 MW cogeneration unit is also planned for the Oshawa site.

"The savings achieved by Lakeridge Health from this project will offer tangible benefits to the Ontario healthcare system and taxpayers," said Andre Rochette, President and CEO of Ecosystem. "We are excited to have played such a significant role in transforming the hospital to a model of 21st century energy efficiency."

Lakeridge Health partnered with Quebec-based firm Ecosystem to take advantage of the deep energy retrofits that the company is renowned for designing and implementing. The substantial savings enable funding for major system upgrades while improving facility reliability and occupant comfort- without dipping into deferred maintenance budgets. The project also dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The Green Health Care Awards also highlighted the success of another Ecosystem client. Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) was shortlisted in the top five among 90 submissions in the Green Hospital of the Year category. The project implemented at HHHS was a whole-building energy retrofit program designed and orchestrated by Ecosystem and has resulted in reducing the energy bill by 44 per cent.

Ecosystem's retrofits are paid for by the savings they generate and are carried out by a multidisciplinary team of energy services professionals that integrate client stakeholders into every phase of the project: design, implementation, commissioning and performance monitoring. Ecosystem is compensated based on the money it saves, not spends, as it fosters innovation and maximizes project performance.

Read more about Lakeridge Health on Ecosystem's website: http://www.ecosystem.ca/index.php/en/case-studies/lakeridge-health

About Ecosystem

Ecosystem is an award-winning, independent and ISO-certified firm of energy efficiency professionals operating in Canada and the U.S. Over the last 20 years, the company has focused exclusively on the integrated delivery of high-performance buildings that are worth more, cost less and have appealing, healthy spaces. On average, the self-funding deep energy retrofits reduce energy consumption by 31 per cent. The company always guarantees results.

For more information, visit http://www.ecosystem.ca