Healthcare organizations are constantly under pressure to reduce costs these days. That often means turning to variable staffing and supply costs for solutions.
Some healthcare leaders view energy costs as somewhat fixed, but they are probably more variable than one thinks. Energy costs are based upon consumption, and as with electricity, costs are usually higher at times of peak demand.
The digital shift and adoption of technology is contributing to increases in energy demand, which does translate into higher costs. In addition to the energy consumed by equipment, a significant amount of heat is usually generated and that only adds to the cooling load for air conditioning systems.
The move to digitize traditionally manual administrative and medical processes is increasing energy consumption in many healthcare facilities. Examples include electronic health records, automated supply chains, kiosks, smart devices/meters, advanced imaging and equipment to facilitate noninvasive surgical procedures.
There has also been a transfer of energy demands from patients and visitors to healthcare facilities. These can include charging stations for electric cars, as well as patients, staff and visitors charging personal mobile devices, including electric wheelchairs, medical equipment, tablets and smartphones.
Adding solar as a new source of energy is certainly one option, but it comes with significant capital investments. For those planning new construction, building with energy saving ideas in mind is another. However, there are several opportunities all healthcare facilities should consider as a starting point.
- Turn equipment off when it isn't needed to reduce energy use, especially during periods of peak demand.
- Conduct audits and walkthroughs to identify cost and resource-intensive equipment.
- Activate sleep mode or low energy settings for copiers, scanners, monitors, computers and other electronics.
- Install motion sensors to shut off lighting, equipment or circulation systems when users are not present.
- Retrofit light fixtures and use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs that are more energy efficient than fluorescent lighting.
- Use LED exit and other illuminating signage.
- Replace old ice machines, microwaves and refrigerators with updated and more efficient equipment.
- Keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure proper operation, and test back-up systems, dampers and valves.
- Adjust air temperatures and evaluate air exchange/circulation rates during both the day and evening.
- Change filters more often during construction, in areas close to freeways or railroads, or during periods of strong winds.
- Conduct regular checks of the air conditioning economizer to ensure the linkage on the damper isn't stuck in the open position; which can result in 50 percent of a building's annual energy bill.
- Install dehumidifiers for expensive and sensitive medical equipment and for added comfort where humidity control is a challenge.
- Explore and leverage cloud storage for data to reduce the reliance upon heat-generating servers.
- Modern detergents and bleaches can reduce microbial contamination during washing at temperatures as low as 120 degrees. Consider lowering water temperatures, especially in laundries.
- Explore alternatives for generator fuel (methane, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen).
- Consider energy consumption and estimated cost savings when evaluating equipment options for purchase and/or replacement.
As healthcare continues to replace manual processes in the work environment with both medical and administrative electronic devices, we can expect consumption to increase. However, the tips above with help leaders find balance as they set a new normal for energy consumption and costs in their facilities.
