Solving Complex Sustainability Challenges with Proven Expertise
The healthcare industry is at a crossroads. Whether mandated by governmental agencies or elective, sustainability is rising on the list of priorities for health systems nationwide. However, the challenge of maintaining financial performance can make the vision of sustainability seem especially difficult.
This is where the team at Oakwell, founded by leaders at Boston Medical Center Health System, an integrated health system anchored by an equity-led academic medical center, and Omicelo, a private investment group that invests in companies driving sustainability, is bringing creative and innovative solutions. Oakwell empowers healthcare systems to achieve comprehensive sustainability and real estate optimization through a holistic approach that optimizes financial health and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, Oakwell’s work with hospitals frees up capital that can be reinvested into patient care.
Beyond Consultants: Long-Term Sustainability Partners
Many consultants are hired as short-term specialists to guide a company for a limited period of time. Oakwell’s approach transcends the traditional consulting model by becoming a dedicated partner throughout the entire sustainability journey.
We employ an expert team with vast experience in healthcare, real estate, finance, engineering, technology, and environmental sciences. This depth of knowledge allows us to create an all-encompassing sustainability strategy inclusive of real estate and infrastructure that is customized for each client’s unique needs and challenges. Whether working with a multi-state health system or a community hospital, Oakwell develops cohesive and comprehensive strategies that deliver measurable results.
A Single Source for Sustainability Implementation
Conventional approaches to sustainability require managing multiple vendors. Oakwell offers a full suite of services from the initial stages of research, in-depth assessments of energy use, waste generation, and operational practices to strategic planning that outlines a clear roadmap for achieving sustainability goals.
Beyond planning, Oakwell provides project implementation to ensure proper and timely integration into our clients’ operations. We also offer long-term monitoring to track progress and identify opportunities for additional optimization. This comprehensive approach minimizes disruption to patient care while achieving tangible results.
No Margin, No Mission: The ROI of Sustainability
One of the most common misperceptions of adopting sustainable practices in healthcare infrastructure and operations is that it will be financially overwhelming. While there is an initial investment, the long-term return is significant and measurable. Oakwell helps clients unlock cost-saving opportunities within their existing real estate portfolio by implementing solutions that have an attractive return on investment, have reasonable payback periods, and reduce the environmental footprint of the health system.
Oakwell provides its partners with creative funding solutions. Whether through our expertise with the Inflation Reduction Act, our deep knowledge of energy-related incentive programs, or debt financing options, we help maximize health systems’ ability to achieve their sustainability and real estate optimization goals. Our data-driven approach focuses on measurable financial savings — improving the bottom line while achieving sustainability goals. Hospitals can allocate valuable resources to improve patient care and other critical services.
Free Up Capital to Reinvest in Your Mission
Hospitals face constant pressure to balance financial health with providing exceptional patient care. Through a detailed analysis, Oakwell identifies opportunities to streamline your facilities through real estate optimization.
Streamlining may involve repurposing areas or implementing space-saving technologies, resulting in reduced operational costs and freed-up capital. These resources can then be reinvested in areas that directly impact patients, such as acquiring cutting-edge medical equipment, hiring additional staff, or expanding treatment programs.
Oakwell helps hospitals transform their real estate into a strategic asset, allowing them to focus on what matters most: delivering the best possible patient care.
Results Matter in Sustainability
Oakwell’s collaborative approach builds on the healthcare sustainability experts at Boston Medical Center Health System, an organization with a proven track record of more than $500 million in cost savings through sustainability initiatives. Together, we understand the nuances of healthcare real estate and take a comprehensive approach that optimizes a system’s entire infrastructure and property portfolio.
To ensure the optimal outcomes, our process is sequential and comprehensive, including:
Assessment & Strategy
To develop a customized plan, we thoroughly analyze a hospital’s energy use, waste generation, operational practices, and real estate portfolio.
Master Planning
We work collaboratively to define clear goals, identify impactful initiatives — from energy conservation measure scoping to complete decarbonization master plans with financing analysis — and establish a roadmap for implementation.
Engineering Oversight
Our team provides engineering and project management expertise to ensure each initiative meets financial and environmental objectives.
Financing
We can provide, discover, and leverage alternative funding solutions, such as grants, rebates, and debt financing, to make any sustainability strategy financially attractive.
Capital Project Delivery
Oakwell’s healthcare sustainability experts provide support throughout project execution, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.
Long-Term Monitoring
We continue to partner with you after implementation, as the most effective sustainability plans require continuous monitoring to identify possible areas for improvement.
Healthcare Sustainability Experts Create a Healthier Future
At Oakwell, we believe in building a healthier future for both health systems and the communities they serve. We envision a world where healthcare delivery thrives alongside environmental responsibility.
Join us on this journey by contacting Oakwell today. Schedule a consultation to discuss how our team can help your healthcare system achieve its sustainability and financial goals.
