THE INSTITUTE FOR GREEN BUSINESS CERTIFICATION, INC. (IGBC) is pleased to announce Northern Diagnostic Pathology of Redding, California is the first pathology laboratory in the U.S. to achieve a "Green Business Certification" from IGBC. Owned by board-certified pathologist Julia E. Mooney, M.D., Northern Diagnostic Pathology (NDP) is a comprehensive pathology service that now sets the standard for exceptional commitment to the global environmental initiative and local environmental health.
IGBC Environmental Analyst GARRY PETERSON reports that reuse and recycling efforts, energy reduction, purchasing, and practical policy changes resulted in a remarkable decrease in NDP's environmental footprint and operational costs. Biohazardous waste declined by 80%.
In its 46th year, NDP services include interpretation of biopsies including bone marrow, gastrointestinal system, and skin. NDP provides laboratory directorship services at Shasta Regional Medical Center. Medical facilities and individual physicians in Redding and five rural Northern California areas are accommodated by NDP with pathology, administrative, and other professional medical services.
NDP recycles chemicals, including alcohol, acetone, and formalin. Plastic, cardboard, paper, and glass are re-used, recycled, or donated to local schools and businesses. Scheduled to arrive in June, on order for almost a year, an environmentally designed Smart Car will become primary vehicle for courier errands. Couriers transport slides, documents, and bagged or bottled specimens in carriers made of recycled water bottles or canvas. Dr. Mooney states "Despite certain limitations due to hazardous waste disposal methods, NDP found that we could become more eco-friendly in almost every aspect of the administration and operation of our lab."
Dr. Mooney and pathologists Ronald G. England, D.O., Gary N. Pontrelli, M.D. and James L. Netreba, M.D. are supported by a highly-trained and dedicated staff of 15, including three certified histotechnologists. Beth Picard, Practice Administrator, comments that she is delighted by the cost savings and has enjoyed the challenge of guiding the practice through the IGBC certification. For more information, go to www.ndpath.com.
IBGC is the oldest international organization of its kind, and only one of two to certify business for environmental practices.
Anne Steyskal, Administrative Assistant & Credentialing Clerk
Northern Diagnostic Pathology www.ndpath.com
2145 Court Street
Redding, CA 96001-2531