The Hospital Assessment Tool （HAT） is an assessment technique that provides technical support to the healthcare industry for accessing solid waste generation, selecting products, and work practices to eliminate or r...The Hospital Assessment Tool （HAT） is an assessment technique that provides technical support to the healthcare industry for accessing solid waste generation, selecting products, and work practices to eliminate or reduce environmental hazards and solid waste, and to maintain quality patient care. Since 2007, this tool has been applied as part of an innovative partnership between the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District and College of Engineering of the University of Toledo. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program and the HAT so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar concepts to help reduce solid waste generation and improve economic conditions in their regions. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of an assessment conducted at a large hospital in Northwest, Ohio, USA. Also, included in this paper is a discussion of the project＇s background, a comparison to similar project＇s between colleges and government agencies, and results and benefits of the program, and an overview of the opportunities and barriers to this type of research. The project demonstrates that through a cooperative effort and a creative alliance, businesses, governments, universities, and industries can work together to improve environmental quality, reduce waste, and improve profitability. The project also educates college students through practical, real-world environmental work experience and trains them to become future environmental leaders展开更多
文摘The Hospital Assessment Tool （HAT） is an assessment technique that provides technical support to the healthcare industry for accessing solid waste generation, selecting products, and work practices to eliminate or reduce environmental hazards and solid waste, and to maintain quality patient care. Since 2007, this tool has been applied as part of an innovative partnership between the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District and College of Engineering of the University of Toledo. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program and the HAT so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar concepts to help reduce solid waste generation and improve economic conditions in their regions. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of an assessment conducted at a large hospital in Northwest, Ohio, USA. Also, included in this paper is a discussion of the project＇s background, a comparison to similar project＇s between colleges and government agencies, and results and benefits of the program, and an overview of the opportunities and barriers to this type of research. The project demonstrates that through a cooperative effort and a creative alliance, businesses, governments, universities, and industries can work together to improve environmental quality, reduce waste, and improve profitability. The project also educates college students through practical, real-world environmental work experience and trains them to become future environmental leaders
