Plains Township animal hospital achieves energy efficiency while healing pets

This is the third in a series of blog posts about northeastern Pennsylvania sustainable practices.

A previous blog post about the Plains Animal Hospital and Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital (NVRH) in Plains Township highlighted ways in which the facility helps reduce flooding, storm water damage, and water pollution. Not only does this green facility feature smart water practices, but it also uses many energy efficient techniques. After touring the building and discussing its features, it was apparent that energy efficiency was a goal from the beginning.

Utilization of natural lighting is one way in which the facility promotes energy efficiency. While visitors sit in the waiting room, they are surrounded by windows. Oriented in such a way that allows natural light to come in, the windows take advantage of the sun for heat during winter months yet remain in the shade for summer. As a result of this smart use of natural light, only half of the overhead lights are turned on at any given time. In the center of the building where animals are treated, there are tubular skylights that provide all of the necessary lighting, resulting in reduced energy costs.

Recycled styrofoam wall insulation

Another way in which the animal hospital and NVRH make efficient use of energy is through their use of smart features and the building materials. Each individual examination room is equipped with a motion sensor that trigger the lights when people are present in the room. Additionally, after roughly five minutes of constant inactivity, the lights will automatically shut off. The building material that largely supports the facility also increases its energy efficiency. All of the walls in the facility are made of recycled Styrofoam. Styrofoam is a much better insulator than other building materials, making it able to hold more heat for longer periods of time. 

Brittany Czerniakowski is an intern in PennFuture's Wilkes-Barre office. She is entering her senior year and working toward a B.A. in Environmental Studies at King's College, Wilkes-Barre.