April 27, 2006
A unique water-saving demonstration project at Seven Oaks General Hospital funded by a $25,000 grant from the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF) was officially announced today by Conservation Minister Stan Struthers.
"This project is an example of the many ways individual Manitobans, businesses and organizations are doing their part to protect the environment," said Struthers. "By incorporating sustainable development practices into daily activities, we are protecting and enhancing the province’s environment for today and the future."
The innovative project has reduced water usage by 5,800 imperial gallons per day, or 15 per cent, since the system began operating at the hospital in mid-February. The new system is expected to pay for itself within seven years. Total cost of the project was approximately $140,000.
The new system diverts clean water, a by-product of the hospital dialysis unit’s filtration of city water, to supply steam sterilizers for surgical instruments and supplies. Prior to installation of the system, 6,800 cubic meters (1.5 million imperial gallons) of clean, usable water drained into the sewer annually. The system is considered a feasible cost-saving measure for any hospital with both surgery and dialysis services.
In presenting the final $7,500 instalment of the SDIF grant on behalf of Struthers today, Doug Martindale, MLA for Burrows, congratulated the hospital on its efforts and added the fund is now accepting project applications for the 2006-07 fiscal year. The next intake date is June 15.
The Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF) supports a diverse range of projects from research studies and demonstrations of new technology to community enhancement and environmental awareness.
Other targeted funding programs under the SDIF are:
the Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund,
the Environmental Youth Corps, and
the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund.
More information on these programs is available at http://www.susdev.gov.mb.ca.
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