Advances in the energy efficiency of medical equipment can significantly cut plug loads in hospitals. Some equipment can even quickly pay for itself in energy savings, says an article in Healthcare Design.
Medical equipment in a hospital makes up 18 percent of the facility's energy use, according to the article. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy called out medical equipment as a major area of potential energy savings, and product manufacturers have responded with equipment that conserves energy while also improving patient care.
The article cites MRI and CT scanners as an example of this trend. New generations of this equipment are smaller, lighter, and have scan times that are up to 75 percent faster than legacy equipment — which reduces radiation doses and energy demands.
It's not only the big-ticket items that have improved efficiencies. Steam sterilizers, fume hoods, refrigerators and ice machines are all available with improved energy consumption profiles.
The article suggests equipment's lifetime energy use be factored into purchasing decisions. Also, an equipment energy audit should be conducted. In the aggregate, minor equipment in a hospital that is heavily used may be a greater energy consumer than major equipment that is less frequently used.
Read the article.
Hospitals could slash energy use through careful equipment purchasing
Advances in the energy efficiency of medical equipment can significantly cut plug loads in hospitals, and should be factored into purchasing decisions.
By Healthcare Facilities Today
April 8, 2013
Topic Area: Energy and Power , Sustainable Operations
Recent Posts
Seeking Standards for Microbial Loads in Healthcare Facilities
Why is there no binding standard for the acceptable microbial load on surfaces or in the air in hospitals?
UCR Health Unveils Plans for Major Expansion
The vision for the site will include an outpatient diagnostic center and possible future expansion.
High-Performance Windows Support Safety at UW Medicine's New Behavioral Health Center
Case study: Engineered for strength, quiet and daylight, the chosen windows help create a safe, calming and energy-efficient environment for patients and providers.
Central Maine Healthcare Dealing with IT System Outage
The organization identified unusual activity within their computer software, prompting them to secure and shut off all IT systems.
Kaiser Permanente Opens Newly Expanded Everett Medical Center
The facility offers primary care and pediatric care and has specialty care departments.