A Win for Health, Comfort, and Sustainability

Barriers to Wellness

Focused on Mission

When members of the Ashland community noticed a gap in their local health care resources, they banded together to form the NorthLakes Community Clinic. While the Clinic has grown significantly since 2008, now operating multiple locations across the northernmost parts of Wisconsin, one thing has remained the same – their mission to remove barriers to wellness.

When focused on your mission, it can be hard to stay focused on upgrades to your facility. That's where Focus on Energy came to the rescue.

Focus on Upgrades

Comfortable Experience

With the support of Focus on Energy, the Clinic was able to identify building upgrades aimed at creating a more comfortable experience for its patients, while also improving their team’s ability to provide the high-quality care they’re known for.

A Focus on Energy assessment found the Clinic had aged, inefficient lighting, and its employees were using additional desk lamps and supplemental light sources to compensate for the dim ceiling lights. NorthLakes worked with Energy Solutions from Mellen, Wisconsin, who helped replace over 175 lamps throughout the facility, contributing to lower energy costs by over $1,000.

Enhanced Atmosphere

“The improved lighting not only saves on energy costs but also enhances the atmosphere for both patients and staff,” notes Jason Webber, Facilities Manager at NorthLakes. “It’s a win-win for efficiency and patient care.”

In addition to outdated lighting, the facility’s aging boiler did not provide adequate heat. Katon Heating from Ashland tackled the boiler replacement, installing a new modulating condensing boiler to keep up with the harsh winters. The new boiler provides consistent warmth and comfort throughout the cold season, saving NorthLakes an additional $400 per year.

United Community

“Navigating the harsh winters in Ashland is easier now with our new boiler,” says Webber. “The upgrades not only improve patient comfort but also align with our commitment to sustainable practices.”

These upgrades enhance NorthLakes’ ability to fulfill their mission of community service and underscore their commitment to sustainability and community welfare. Their journey is a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites with a shared vision of health, well-being, and sustainability.

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