Modesto Medical Center (Photo credit: Kaiser Permanente)

Healthcare leader, Kaiser Permanente, recently received a 2013 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its use of solar power. Kaiser was presented its award at the EPA's Renewable Energy Markets Conference in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 23.

The annual awards recognize the country's leading green power users for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation's voluntary power market.

Kaiser was one of four organizations in the United States to receive a Leadership Award. The award recognizes organizations that distinguish themselves by using onsite renewable energy, such as solar photovoltaic or landfill gas.

Kaiser generates more than 17 million kilowatt-hours of power annually from multiple onsite solar energy systems in California. The power generated meets seven per cent of the annual electricity needs at these sites. Kaiser also purchased 42 million kWh of Green-e certified Renewable Energy Credits in 2012. The wind power covered an additional three per cent of Kaiser's electricity needs.

"Kaiser Permanente understands that the health of the environment is inextricably linked to human health and the overall health of communities," said Bernard J. Tyson, CEO, Kaiser Permanente. "Our use of solar and other forms of renewable energy reduces harmful emissions and contributes to climate change solutions that improve public health."

Kaiser Permanente currently ranks twelfth on the EPA's Top 20 onsite generation list.