CoverMyMeds Campus Update: Spotlight on Sustainability

We’re finding ways — such as using efficient fixtures — to save nearly 600,000 gallons of water each year. We’re also planning to power our buildings with renewable sources, saving nearly 1,700 barrels of oil and preventing 395 metric tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere each year.

These effors and others put our campus on track to achieve LEED and WELL certifications.

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program that encourages and rewards sustainable design across several metrics. These include sustainable site choice, energy saving practices, water efficiency, reduction of CO2 emissions and indoor environmental quality, among others — all while improving employee wellbeing.

• Similarly, WELL is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness and comfort.

“Doing the right thing is a question we ask at every point in this project, and it’s the main lens through which we operate,” said Michael Bukach, senior manager of employee engagement. "As an innovative company, we can apply the same principles we do in our work to our campus and achieve equally incredible results.”

It’s not just about utilities — wellness is equally important. For example, the paint, carpet and materials used throughout our campus are free of toxins and the air quality will be checked constantly. Our campus will also have a 2,000-square-foot in-house fitness center, every employee will have a sit-stand desk and each workspace offers quick access to the outdoors.

Our on-site culinary team will continue to provide healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for employees. And there are plans for a 1,500-square-foot outdoor garden where our people can grow vegetables and herbs to take home.

“So much of earning a WELL certification has to do with food and the healthiness of that food,” said Lars Johansson, director of campus operations. “We’re able to achieve our WELL goal because of the strength of our culinary team.”

Our sustainability efforts continue beyond our buildings. We’re working with others to expand the network of trails and paths that connect our campus to the community, so it’s easier for everyone to get around. Plus, we’re installing plenty of bike racks and electric vehicle charging stations to encourage others to ditch fossil fuels.

We’re also sourcing materials locally whenever possible, and recycling some of our treasured mementos. For example, we’re moving many of our current furnishings over to the new campus — as well as our beloved collection of thrifted mugs.

“Our campus project is an opportunity to cross-pollinate with larger commitments we’ve made to the community,” Johansson said. “We’re excited to be a positive collaborator for the community and for the planet.”

We recognize the importance of sustainability now and in the future, and there are many people, organizations and businesses who see it that way, too. We’re inspired by them and believe our campus will allow us to contribute in big ways so that we can collectively achieve even more.

“By showing what’s possible, we broaden the path for others to do the same,” said Bukach. “Together, we can make a positive impact on our communities and the planet.”

Another source of inspiration comes from our employees, who are already committed to sustainability. Our Alternative Commuting and Environmental Sustainability (ACES) group supports general environmental work and leads the charge in getting others to make alternative commuting choices such as carpooling or public transportation. The transition away from single-occupancy vehicles alleviates traffic congestion and improves the commute for everyone.

“I feel so grateful that our company values the efforts of its employees in bringing awareness to the greater community regarding sustainability issues,” said Sharon Dorsey, account coordinator in patient services and ACES member. “ACES serves as a resource for employees looking for ideas and we are all very excited about our new campus which will allow us to do even more for our CoverMyMeds family, our greater community, and the environment.”

Creating a remarkable and sustainable workplace is one of many ways that we continue to be the best place to work and grow for our people and support our neighbors and the community. Calling Franklinton, Ohio home enables us to continue to give back in unique ways — including positively impacting the environment — and we’re excited to share that with those around us.

Learn more about our campus project and follow our progress on the CoverMyMeds campus and community page.