The Hershey Medical Center Energy Journey

When:  Tue, Oct 6, 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00 (ET)
Associated with  All Member Forum

In 2009, the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center began planning an ambitious energy modernization transformation. This program was intended to address aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, deferred maintenance, and emerging sustainability mandates. What started as a strategic planning initiative evolved into one of the most recognized and awarded energy management programs in the United States, earning multiple USGBC Climate Champion Awards, the Pennsylvania Microgrid of the Year honor, a 2025 IDEA Innovation Award, and PEER Platinum Certification.

Campus Energy Engineer Kevin Kanoff will share the Hershey Medical Center’s energy transformation journey, showing how the team modernized critical systems while balancing the needs of medical staff, patients, students, administrators, and the broader institutional mission. The presentation will cover Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), behind-the-meter power generation, demand management, and other key energy management strategies.

Kevin will discuss the value of a global approach to energy management, including a clear understanding of building system interactions, financial considerations, improved reliability and resiliency, and alignment with the facility’s mission.

 

Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate common Energy Conservation Measures for impact and strong returns on investment.
  • Describe how ECMs can be layered and optimized to improve overall energy performance.
  • Define district energy and explain its basic efficiency benefits.
  • Identify the key benefits of behind-the-meter power generation.
  • Describe energy risk management considerations in an uncertain energy future.