At Valley Children’s Hospital, caring for the health and well-being of children in our community extends far beyond the walls of our facilities. It means doing what’s right – not just for the children and families we serve today, but for future generations.

That’s why Valley Children’s is proud to lead the way with an innovative new microgrid project that will ensure reliable energy for the hospital and a more sustainable future for all.

A Groundbreaking Step Toward Energy Resilience

On Sept. 21, 2024, Valley Children’s took an exciting leap into the future by breaking ground on a state-of-the-art microgrid. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the system will generate, store and distribute clean energy, ensuring uninterrupted care for patients – even during power outages.

This pioneering project, one of the nation’s largest renewable energy microgrids connected to a hospital emergency system, reflects Valley Children’s commitment to advancing sustainability and resilience for the Central Valley.

“Our hospital is more than just a building; it’s a lifeline for our community. This microgrid will help to ensure that no matter what happens, we are here to provide the critical care our children need while also protecting the environment for their future.”

Todd Suntrapak, Valley Children’s Healthcare President and CEO

Clean Energy, Healthier Communities

The microgrid incorporates a mix of solar photovoltaic panels, fuel cells and battery storage – and they’re laid out in the shape of Valley Children’s mascot, George the Giraffe!

The innovative system will harness power from the sun and fuel cells to meet 80% of the hospital’s energy needs when operational, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%.

In a region often burdened by poor air quality, this project represents a meaningful step toward cleaner air and healthier communities. Additionally, the microgrid is expected to save at least $15 million in energy costs over the next 25 years – resources that can be reinvested in providing exceptional care for Valley families.

Commitment to a Better Future

Valley Children’s has a long history of leadership in sustainability. In 2023, the hospital joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge, a national initiative to accelerate decarbonization. Through this partnership, Valley Children’s is not only embracing sustainable practices but also setting an example for others to follow.

Additionally, in May last year, The Joint Commission certified the hospital’s sustainability program. The Joint Commission launched the sustainability certification at the beginning of the year, and Valley Children’s became the first hospital in California – and the second children’s hospital nationwide – to earn the certification.

“Congratulations to our Better Climate Challenge partner Valley Children’s Healthcare for breaking ground on a first-of-its-kind renewable energy microgrid,” said Maria Vargas, Director of the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative. “By improving community resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, innovative projects like this are what the Better Climate Challenge is all about: meeting the challenge of climate change head-on and leading the way for others.”

A Promise to Our Children

For Valley Children’s, every decision is rooted in one simple belief: every child deserves the best possible future. The microgrid is more than an energy solution – it’s a promise to the children and families who rely on the hospital every day.

Valley Children’s Hospital remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, sustainability and the health of the Central Valley.

For more details about Valley Children’s sustainability efforts, visit www.valleychildrens.org/sustainability.