Effective Energy Conservation Methods for Hospitals
Sensible usage of energy resources is critical in institutes like hospitals that need to function 24/7 without any interruption. Establishing effective energy-saving measures in hospitals can increase the efficiency of power usage, reduced costs and also lead to environmental benefits.
The first step towards increasing energy efficiency is installing the quality equipment. The equipment needs to be relevant to the function and should be focused on reducing the energy wastage. Continue reading to understand various steps involved in reducing energy wastage and increase efficiency.
The first step towards increasing energy efficiency is installing the quality equipment. The equipment needs to be relevant to the function and should be focused on reducing the energy wastage. Continue reading to understand various steps involved in reducing energy wastage and increase efficiency.
Measures to be taken for increased energy efficiency –
- Conducting regular inspections on energy equipment.
- Keeping a track of each equipment’s energy reading and checking it against the next reading.
- Upgradation of equipment with emerging new technologies such as Central Automated Management Systems.
- Implementation of monitoring mechanism that provides detailed reports on energy consumption and the condition of the equipment.
- Conducting training sessions for the staff on the efficient usage of the equipment.
Besides setting up concrete norms for energy saving in hospitals, it is ideal to recognize the energy saving potential in your facility. Typically, hospitals are bound to consume a lot of energy based on their infrastructure and specialty. Here are the potential ways you could implement in your hospital and save energy.
- Air Conditioning – The necessity of providing comfortable room temperatures for the patients as well as to the equipment make hospitals the most energy consuming facilities. Installing the advanced air conditioning systems such as thermal insulation improvement and maintaining them adequately can help in reducing power consumption.
- Lighting – As an institute that needs to be functioned around the clock, lighting is one of the most important factors and also the factor that consumes more energy. Use only the high performance lighting system for reduced energy consumption. Using local capacitors for correction of the power factors can also reduce power consumption to a whopping 50%.
- Heating – Heating requires at various levels in a typical hospital day to day operations. Most of the hospitals are still using gas for their heating requirements. Replacing gas heating with thermal insulation can reduce the costs significantly. More importantly, hospitals can conserve more energy if they replace oil usage with natural gas.
- High energy consuming medical equipment – Medical equipment contribute to high energy consumption. However, same equipment by different manufacturers project different energy consumption numbers. Compare all the equipment from different manufacturers and purchase the ones that consume less energy and comes with durability.
3 Major Types of Energy Conservation Measures – There are three different types of measures that you need to implement in your hospital for better energy conservation.
- Level 1 – Do not require replacement of equipment or reconstruction. Regular maintaining activities and monitoring is sufficient to ensure better energy conservation.
- Level 2 – Required reconstruction of equipment. Actions involve replacement of the parts in the equipment and general maintenance that is more than just Level 1 care.
- Level 3 – Requires replacement of the equipment. Involves capital investment and demands a proper techno-economic survey to save more on the new purchase.
General Energy Conservation Methods You Could Employ –
- Reduce the usage of doors between 2 different room temperatures.
- Check the windows and doors at regular intervals for any cracks or damages.
- Taking measures that increase thermal insulation for the openings can help in reducing energy consumption at a great deal.
- Internal shading in the areas that are exposed to direct sunlight is advisable.
- Periodic maintenance of boilers, heaters and other boiling equipment save that extra power needed for boiling purposes.
- Installation of hearth blades, exhaust gas turbines, diaphragms in the chimneys and permanent measurement systems can be the major solutions for your energy conservation measures.
The healthcare management is keen on saving the extra energy consumption in their hospitals. Involving the healthcare consultants and hospital management advisory professionals can be of great help in your efforts.
