Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, imaging centers, and nursing homes, have particularly unique energy needs due to patient care, life-saving equipment, and continuous operations. Many of these facilities have no ‘off’ hours, so being energy-smart is vital. Let’s explore some energy-efficient tips for healthcare facilities.
Optimize Lighting
Lighting ranks among the highest contributors to a hospital’s energy costs. It’s not uncommon for a large healthcare facility to spend over $1 million per year on lighting alone. By switching from incandescent lighting to LEDs, hospitals could save more than $350,000 annually. LEDs consume at least 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
When transitioning to LED lighting, think about adding dimmers, too. Choose dimmable LED fixtures for patient rooms, ICUs, and operating rooms, as lighting requirements vary significantly in these areas.
Maximize natural light in waiting areas, lobbies, and patient recovery rooms. This is particularly important in healthcare facilities where feelings can sometimes be unhappy, and patients may be unwell. Exposure to natural light can enhance mood and boost happiness!
Be Efficient with Medical Equipment
From patient monitoring, medical imaging, and X-ray to surgical, therapeutic, life-support, and laboratory devices, many healthcare facilities run equipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. So, it’s crucial that this equipment is as energy efficient as possible.
Imaging devices like MRI machines and CT scanners are among the largest single-plug energy consumers. Establish protocols that either shut down these machines or switch them to energy-saving modes during off-peak hours or when patient volume is low.
Additionally, sterilizers with low water and energy consumption should be used for surgical tools and equipment, especially in high-demand environments like operating rooms.
Plus, the future of energy-efficient medical equipment looks promising, considering ENERGY STAR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are currently developing new specifications for medical imaging equipment.
Integrate Building Management Systems
A building management system (BMS), also known as a building automation system, monitors and controls a facility’s mechanical, electrical, and other critical systems. A BMS helps facilities improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and maintain comfort for patients, visitors, and staff.
Some of the key components controlled by a BMS include:
- HVAC: Regulates indoor temperature, air quality, and airflow.
- Lighting: Automates schedules and adjusts lighting levels based on occupancy or daylight.
- Energy management: Monitors energy usage and helps reduce consumption.
- Fire and life safety systems: Ensures fire alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency systems function correctly.
- Water: Manages water consumption and systems like pumps and valves.
- Power systems: Monitors electrical systems, including backup generators and power distribution.
Encourage Staff to Save Energy
In a facility as large as a hospital or nursing home, no single individual can monitor energy use on their own; it requires collective effort! Employees might not fully understand how their actions impact energy consumption, so it’s vital to educate them.
Here are a few easy energy-efficient tips for healthcare facilities you can share with your team:
- Turn off non-essential equipment when not in use (such as computers).
- Use energy-efficient settings on medical devices and equipment.
- Report equipment left on unnecessarily.
- Turn off lights in rooms and areas not in use.
- Keep exterior doors and windows closed when the heat or AC is on.
- Unplug personal devices (phones, laptops, chargers) when not in use.
- Ensure vents are clear and not blocked by furniture, equipment, etc.
- Report any problems with equipment or facilities (i.e., a leaky faucet or running toilet).
Switch to UGI EnergyLink
Choosing UGI EnergyLink for your healthcare facility means you’ll have a dedicated team ready to offer you personalized assistance. Part of UGI Corporation, we have more than a century of experience in the energy industry. As owners of natural gas storage facilities, propane air facilities, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure, UGI EnergyLink is uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of the electricity and natural gas markets. This expertise translates into cost savings for our customers.
Ready to make the switch? Enroll today!