BELLINGHAM - Northwest Clean Air Agency has honored PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center with the agency's top award for reducing emissions and improving air quality.

PeaceHealth in Bellingham received the 2012 Partners for Clean Air platinum award for reducing emissions and improving air quality, according to a Northwest Clean Air Agency news release.

Its efforts included lighting upgrades that resulted in annual energy savings of $165,000, reducing hazardous air emissions from sterilization processes, eliminating the use of products that contain mercury, and starting a trip reduction program for employees.

Partners for Clean Air awards have been presented annually to businesses in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties since 2010. Three levels are awarded - platinum, gold and silver.

To see the businesses in Whatcom County that were awarded 2012 gold and silver status, go online to nwcleanair.org and type "Partners for Clean Air" into the search window.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.