Gundersen Elroy Clinic reaches net zero status on energy use

Gundersen Elroy Clinic reaches net zero status on energy use

Earlier this summer, the new Gundersen Elroy Clinic achieved a milestone it was built for: producing as much energy as it uses, thus becoming a net zero facility.

It was a goal for the specially designed building - the first of its kind in the Gundersen system - to eliminate energy costs and leave a smaller carbon footprint, and it's thanks to the 16 geothermal wells that are embedded beneath the parking lot and the solar panels on the roof. Other measures include extra insulation in the roof and the walls.

"It's an expertly engineered building to achieve our energy goals," says Aaron Hammer.

Hammer is the Gundersen St. Joseph's facilities operations manager, and he says opening the building in January was probably the toughest time to do so, energy wise. With the cold comes the increased energy demand, which outpaces what the building's systems can produce.

However, during the summer months, the system produces more energy than was needed. So, while outside energy will be needed during the winter, there will be an excess in the summer, resulting in the net zero goal.

"The energy that we're overproducing now and sending back will account for what we're using in the winter and not generating," says Ariel Brophy, a project manager with Gundersen Envision.

Estimating the cost savings per year takes into account a number of factors. The previous Elroy clinic, which was half the size of the new building, used 68,000 kilowatts of energy in 2023. The new building, halfway through the year, has used 24,000 kilowatts, but has also produced 17,000, for a net total of just 7,000 kilowatts used.

"If this building was built to normal standards, it would use 208,437 kilowatts a year at its current size and building usage type," Brophy says. "This would cost about $26,500 per year to power."

The Elroy Clinic joins Gundersen clinics in Sparta and Tomah as the blueprint for energy efficiency, though Brophy says Elroy will be the standard-bearer for the system moving forward. Any building Gundersen constructs in the future will have a goal of net zero energy use, while existing buildings that are purchased will look to use half the amount of energy for a building of its type.

"This adds to our rural clinic net zero goals and achievements," Brophy says. "This is the most impressive one yet."

The Elroy Clinic is the first facility, outside the city utility, to bring solar energy to the city. Being able to bring in new technology to a small town like Elroy and elevate the downtown area, Brophy says, is another way Gundersen can serve the community. And it fits in well with Gundersen Envision's goals of improving the health of the community by reducing its carbon footprint, easing the financial burden of healthcare and supporting rural communities.

Then there's the health aspect.

"We're using less energy, so fewer emissions are being released into the environment," Brophy said. "It improves and promotes a healthy community for our families with fewer health effects."