Boston Hospital Implements Sustainable Practices of Solar Energy Generation and Homegrown Produce for Patients.

The Clean Power Prescription program, a pioneering initiative spearheaded by Boston Medical Center (BMC), addresses the critical intersection of healthcare and energy insecurity. Dr. Anna Goldman, a primary care physician and BMC’s medical director of climate and sustainability, recognized the pervasive issue of patients struggling to afford essential electricity for medical equipment and basic needs like air conditioning and refrigeration. Driven by this pressing concern, Dr. Goldman collaborated with the hospital to develop a program that directly alleviates the financial burden of energy costs for vulnerable patients. The program’s foundation lies in a 519-panel solar array installed atop a BMC office building. This renewable energy source powers half of the building’s electricity needs, while the remaining generated energy translates into bill credits for enrolled patients.

The Clean Power Prescription program operates by leveraging the existing energy infrastructure. BMC feeds excess solar energy into the local power grid, receiving credits in return. These credits are then allocated to the accounts of participating patients, providing a monthly discount of approximately $50 on their utility bills. This innovative approach directly combats energy poverty, which disproportionately affects low-income households and individuals with chronic medical conditions. The program’s impact is tangible for patients like Kiki Polk, a new mother managing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The program’s monthly credit helps Polk afford the electricity needed to run her air conditioner, a crucial appliance for her health and the well-being of her newborn during hot weather. Before enrolling in the program, Polk faced the difficult choice between enduring dangerous heat and accumulating unaffordable energy bills.

The program’s genesis stems from the alarming number of patients who reported difficulties paying utility bills. Dr. Goldman’s interactions with patients, some even facing utility shut-offs due to the energy demands of home medical equipment, highlighted the urgency of the situation. The sheer volume of letters written by BMC staff to utility companies, pleading for continued service for financially strapped patients, underscored the widespread nature of energy insecurity among BMC’s patient population. This prompted Bob Biggio, BMC’s chief sustainability and real estate officer, to envision a broader application of the hospital’s solar panel investment, aligning with BMC’s century-long commitment to serving low-income communities and improving health outcomes.

The Clean Power Prescription program represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, moving beyond traditional medical interventions to address the social determinants of health, such as access to affordable energy. The program’s holistic approach recognizes that factors beyond medical care, including stable housing, nutritious food, and reliable utilities, significantly impact a patient’s overall health and well-being. BMC’s existing initiatives, such as the rooftop garden that provides fresh produce to patients, demonstrate the hospital’s dedication to addressing these broader needs. The solar panel program extends this commitment, providing a vital resource that directly improves patients’ living conditions and reduces the stress associated with energy insecurity.

The program’s innovative model has garnered national attention, serving as a blueprint for other healthcare institutions seeking to address energy insecurity among their patient populations. Aparna Bole, a pediatrician and senior consultant at the federal Department of Health and Human Services, recognizes the groundbreaking nature of BMC’s program. She highlights the program’s effectiveness in connecting vulnerable patients with clean, renewable energy while simultaneously reducing their financial burden. Bole is actively promoting BMC’s model through case studies, encouraging other hospitals to explore similar initiatives. The program’s success underscores the potential of healthcare systems to play a leading role in addressing climate change and health equity concurrently.

The Clean Power Prescription program, while currently a pilot project, holds significant promise for expansion and broader impact. With a projected cost of $1.6 million, 60% of which was funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act, the program demonstrates the potential for public-private partnerships to address critical social needs. BMC officials envision a tenfold expansion of the program, aiming to reach a significantly larger portion of their patient population. Recognizing the ongoing need, BMC is actively seeking partnerships with organizations willing to contribute solar energy to further expand the program’s reach and sustainability. The collaboration with Eversource, the local utility company, demonstrates the potential for cross-sector collaboration to create effective solutions. This collaborative model could pave the way for wider adoption of similar programs, ultimately improving the health and well-being of vulnerable communities nationwide.