Conserving energy has become a major priority throughout the world. Governments are able to do most of the heavy lifting, but those not in office can still contribute. This is especially true if you run a healthcare facility. Such organizations are likely to require a substantial amount of energy, meaning there are more opportunities to conserve it. So, here are five ways your healthcare facility can become more energy efficient.
1. Use Renewable Sources
One of the best ways for any organization to conserve energy is to use renewable sources. This makes any use of energy in your building far less harmful than it could be. Many building owners choose to buy solar panels, which only require sunlight to create electricity. In fact, it’s possible to run an entire healthcare facility on purely renewable energy. It may take some creativity, but the result is often worth the effort.
2. Stay Technologically Updated
Having the latest available medical technology isn’t just a benefit to your patients’ health. It’s also likely to provide more efficient energy usage. Newer models of large machines, such as MRI scanners, are lighter and use far less energy. These updates also function at a faster speed, which results in less usage per patient. This doesn’t just apply to medical machinery. Technology involved in the regular work should also be updated. Computers, laundry machines, printers and other such mechanisms become more efficient with each update. This productivity generally results in less energy usage.
3. Keep Track of Use
It will be difficult to conserve energy if you have no idea how much is being used. This is why it’s vital to track your energy usage. If possible, consider hiring an expert in the subject to inspect your healthcare facility. Taking this route is more likely to deliver accurate results. Either way, the final summary will tell you what the next steps are. If your building is far from energy efficiency, you may consider more drastic options than those with the opposite result. It may be helpful to make goals for your organization. Having an energy usage number that you hope to reach is a decisive motivator.
4. Find Energy Waste
While it’s important to find ways that you can make your equipment eco-friendly, it’s possible that some overuse stems from mistakes. A decent percentage could come from, for instance, machinery that’s left on when not in use. Another classic mistake of any organization is leaving the lights on in a room after it’s been vacated. Because of this, it’s important to speak with your employees and do a thorough inspection. Ask about the regular procedures regarding powering on the machines. Since it’s a healthcare facility, there may be a need to leave something on even when not in use. Create a detailed plan for your workers to reduce accidental energy waste.
5. Examine Waste Management
Waste management may not be the first thing on your mind in this regard, but it’s essential for conserving energy. This is particularly important for a healthcare facility. Organizations like hospitals handle an extreme amount of waste daily. First off, try to make sure that you have an efficient recycling system. Recycling is a basic function for any efficient waste management system. Next, try to find the best places to dispose of your regular trash. If you use smart compacting trashes, more can fit into one container. Unfortunately, medical trash requires a more intricate disposal system, so it’s best to focus your efforts on normal trash.
Dedicating the time and effort required to be energy efficient can be a hassle. However, it is a key way that any building owner can help the environment. Try to be thorough and communicative throughout the process. Make sure your employees know what practices to employ. You can even add incentives to ensure each one is carried out. It may seem small, but any contribution to the energy crisis is a step forward.
