| Source Newsletter 2009 issue 2 |
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Focus on energy in health care facilities to cut costs
Energy represents one of the few cost centers that hospitals have control over. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that nationally health care facilities use twice as much energy as other commercial buildings and emit almost 40 million tons of greenhouse gases. They also spend more than $5 billion annually on energy, which is estimated to be the equivalent to at least 15% of profits. As energy prices rise, this is likely to increase. Additionally, energy use related to greenhouse gas emissions is becoming a concern in terms of climate change. Increasing energy efficiency can significantly impact a facility’s bottom line and environmental footprint.
Enacting energy conservation practices as well as installing new, energy efficient equipment and systems can result in less expensive operations and maintenance and lower energy bills. However, the economic bottom line is not the only area in a health care facility that energy efficiency measures can improve. They can also have a positive impact on indoor and outdoor environments and on patient and community health.
Conservation Opportunities
Facilities of all sizes have energy conservation opportunities available. However, some opportunities could require significant financial or human capital and should be evaluated for feasibility. The following opportunities are suggested by the DOE through their EnergySmart Hospitals program.
Outlet Loads and Water Efficiency
Reducing the load on outlets as well as using water efficiently can have positive impacts on efficiency. Some ideas include:
- Insulating hot water tanks and pipes to reduce energy loss
- Using heat exchangers to capture heat from hot wastewater
- Using ENERGY STAR® rated equipment
Enabling ENERGY STAR® settings on all equipment
- Installing vending misers on vending machines
HVAC
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems in hospitals can represent a large portion of energy use and costs. Monitoring and maintaining these systems are vital steps toward energy efficiency. Additional ideas for improving the heating and cooling system include:
- Cleaning heat transfer coils on chillers, heat pumps, and air conditioners to ensure high operating efficiency
- Compartmentalizing HVAC systems such as those in surgical suites so they do not operate when a room is unoccupied
- Monitor the chilled water system to determine when it needs to be upgraded or replaced
- Maintaining or repairing boiler steam traps
- Cleaning fouling on boiler tubes and combustion surfaces
- Installing automatic blow down controls on boilers
Lighting
There are a number of new technologies available that can reduce energy use and extend the life of the lighting. Some examples include:
- Upgrading exit signs with light emitting diodes (LED)
- Replacing older T12 fluorescent lamps with “super” T8 lamps and high efficiency electronic ballasts
- Assessing lighting needs to determine if lighting is appropriate for the area
- Eliminating incandescent lamps where feasible and replacing with compact fluorescents (CFL)
- Installing occupancy sensors in frequently unoccupied rooms
- Using daylighting sensors in patient rooms and public spaces with large window areas
Success Story: Ridgeview Medical Center
In 2008, Ridgeview Medical Center (RMC) was faced with increasing energy demands and costs. The increases were driving a proposal to expand the RMC’s energy plant, while delaying other projects that directly affected the facility’s ability to serve patients. Ridgeview gathered a team of utility master planning experts as well as its own engineering staff to develop an energy conservation plan that would eliminate the need for plant expansion. The team developed a list of items to address, then implemented changes as needed; the majority involved the chiller and chilled water. The project was completed nearly $3 million under budget and the expansion to the energy plant was not needed, which provided capital for other improvement projects at RMC.
For More Information
The US DOE provides hospitals with a variety of energy conservation tips and ideas. For more information about this, visit the DOE EnergySmart Hospitals Web site
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