GREEN MEDICINE: Featured Interview for June 1, 2010

Kai Abelkis has been Boulder Community Hospital’s Sustainability Coordinator since 1999. To minimize the hospital’s environmental footprint, Kai is responsible for reducing waste, conserving energy, promoting alternative transportation, utilizing alternative energy sources, conserving water, integrating environmental preferable purchasing, green building practices eliminating latex and PVC from the product line and educating staff. Their Foothills hospital was the first LEED certified medical facility in the world. BCH is part of a growing choir of medical institutions who recognize that the health of our environment is directly connected to the health of our community.

Kai has been recognized around the world as a leading voice in the efforts to create a more sustainable industry. He sits on Colorado’s Pollution Advisory Committee, City of Boulder’s Climate Advisory Group, and a Board member of the Boulder East Transportation Management Organization. Kai has worked with Novation and medical manufacturers on implementing sustainable practices. He is currently working with University of Nebraska, University of Maryland, Calgary Health, and Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and others on their sustainability efforts.