Part I:  Progress of 1999 Plans

The Department of Health and Human Services 1999 Sustainability Report included initiatives concerning improved energy management procedures, energy efficient construction and the use of telecommunications for improved and cost effective communication between institutions and facilities. Projects included a cost effective and highly energy efficient management system used at Western Carolina Center as well as energy saving boiler operation procedures at Caswell Center. Two of the Departments' major construction projects were a new Dorothea Dix Hospital and a Whitaker School Replacement Facility. However, both projects were delayed because of inadequate funding. The Department is nearing completion of the renovations of the Royster Building and the Spruill Annex on the Dix Campus representing major efforts to recycle old buildings for different uses.

The Department made employees aware of the need for sustainable practices in the workplace through articles in employee newsletters and by being the co-host of the Statewide Sustainability Kickoff on July 21, 1999 on the Dorothea Dix Campus.