Beacon Health & Fitness Granger harnesses solar power as part of system’s environmental commitment

Six hundred and forty solar panels began quietly generating clean energy on Friday atop Beacon Health & Fitness Granger, marking a significant step into renewable energy for the health system. The rooftop installation represents Beacon’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The five sets of solar panels will generate enough clean energy to power 44 average American households for an entire year or match the annual electricity consumption of a mid-sized elementary school. As an added benefit, the panels will extend the life of the roof.

“We are looking for opportunities to help lessen our impact on the environment,” said Shane Galloway, Beacon’s executive director of planning, projects and real estate. “Despite its size, Beacon Health & Fitness Granger consumes a tremendous amount of energy, so reducing its carbon footprint through solar power is exciting. At Beacon, this is just the beginning. There is still so much to do.”

Beacon Health & Fitness Granger was chosen to be Beacon’s first location with solar power because it’s one of the health system’s heavier power users due primarily to its extended hours and heated pool.

K2 Power Solutions, a South Bend company focused on renewable energy, installed the system this summer. Galloway plans to install monitors in the fitness facility to display an energy savings dashboard for members, guests and associates.

The environmental impact extends well beyond energy savings. The solar installation will prevent about 320 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which is equivalent to taking 70 gas-powered cars off the road for a year or the environmental benefit of 7.500 tree seedlings grown for a decade.

Alan Loyd, executive director of Beacon Health & Fitness, said this is a project many months in the making.

“It’s exciting to take this step toward renewable energy and are proud that we’re able to lessen our energy footprint in this important way,” Loyd said. “With our emphasis on health and fitness, it only makes sense that we extend this thinking to our environment as well.”

The solar installation is just one part of Beacon’s broader environmental initiatives. The health system is also working to convert certain facilities to 100 percent LED lighting, starting with Memorial Hospital of South Bend, which is about 50 percent complete. This conversion will reduce energy consumption while eliminating the challenge of disposing of fluorescent bulbs, which are considered hazardous waste.

“By reducing our energy consumption,” Galloway said, “we feel good about our continued efforts to reduce the environmental impact in the community.”