SSM Health has announced major progress in its sustainability initiatives with the completion of Phase II solar energy projects at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon and the soon-to-be-completed installation at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.
At SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, a new solar carport canopy now covers the employee parking lot, delivering 407 kW of clean energy through 657 photovoltaic modules, generating approximately 535,161 kWh annually. This design reduces carbon emissions by 510 tons of CO₂ each year, which is equivalent to planting 7,651 trees for 10 years, and also provides covered parking to protect employees from rain, snow, and heat.
Meanwhile, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia is nearing completion of its ground-mounted solar array, which will produce 791,060 kWh annually and reduce 754 tons of CO₂ emissions each year. This system, comprised of 1,008 solar modules, is equivalent to removing 160 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for a year or powering 85 homes for one year.
The Director of Plant Operations for SSM Health in Southern Illinois Kelli Edwards says these projects demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and employee well-being.
