Quick wins for Healthcare

Hospitals are ranked as the second most intensive energy users after food services among commercial and institutional buildings in Ireland. As such they are large contributors to greenhouse gas emissions which not only have an impact on our climate but also on our immediate environment and health. With the requirement for Display Energy Certificates and Public Sector energy reduction targets this energy use and related costs and emissions are getting more scrutiny. There are many opportunities to achieve energy and cost savings just by implementing a few basic measures.

Go through your energy bills with your supplier so you understand any penalty charges and how they can be reduced or avoided e.g. how much electricity is used at night if there is less production
Maintain appropriate temperatures, ventilation rates, lighting levels and water temperatures consistent with patient care requirements as recommended by professional bodies e.g. CIBSE
Make sure any radiators and vents are not obstructed by furniture or equipment and keep any filters clean
Ensure heating boilers are routinely serviced e.g. gas boilers once a year and oil boilers twice a year
Ensure ventilation and heating to intermittently occupied areas are switched off when not required
Do not let heating and cooling operate at the same time in the same area heating should stop at 19 degC and cooling should start at 24 degC
Ensure light switches are labelled to show the lights they control and lights are switched off when not needed
Establish a maintenance schedule for the cleaning of lamps and fittings
Ensure vending machines for non-perishable food and drinks items are switched off over- night by using simple timeswitches
Ensure staff are familiar with the correct operation of controls and equipment and know when electrical equipment can be turned off

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