Rendering of Valley Children's solar field, designed in the shape of the hospital's mascot, George the Giraffe. (Madera, California)

Valley Children’s Hospital announced it has been awarded the  Sustainable Healthcare Certification, becoming the second children’s hospital nationwide and first in California to receive the honors.

The certification, awarded by nonprofit accreditation organization The Joint Commission, recognizes the hospital’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, combating climate change and participating in conservation and preservation efforts.

The hospital, which will break ground on its renewable energy microgrid later this year, aims to continue to reduce its reliance on traditional power grids, aiming to remain fully self-sustaining in the events of power outages in the area.

One of its solar arrays will also be an homage to George, Valley Children’s Hospital giraffe mascot. It will be laid out in the shape of George.

“Our mission goes beyond providing exceptional healthcare for the children of our community to nurturing a healthier, more sustainable future for those children, their families and everyone in the communities we serve,” said Valley Children’s Healthcare President and CEO Todd Suntrapak.

The continued focus not only on the health of Valley children, but the health of the environment, is reflected in the hospital’s effort to prioritize environmental cleanliness; Suntrapak went on to say that by prioritizing a healthier environment, the hospital hopes to increase the health and wellbeing of children in and around the Valley.

“We hope our efforts will inspire sustainability initiatives within the healthcare community and across other industries in the future,” he said.

The hospital was one of the first hospitals to sign the Health Sector Climate Pledge and have committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.