By HFT Staff

In 2018, Northwell Health launched an Energy Steering Committee to oversee energy use and implement initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. One such initiative, a partnership with American Plant Maintenance (APM Steam), focuses on steam system maintenance, aiming to optimize efficiency and reduce energy consumption while maintaining high-quality patient care. 

The Challenge 

Many of Northwell Health’s facilities rely on complex steam systems for heating, sterilization and other critical operations. Maintaining these systems is essential to attain operational efficiency and patient safety. Yet, steam traps — essential components that remove condensate without losing steam — are prone to failure over time. A single leaking or plugged trap can cause substantial energy loss and increase carbon emissions, while driving up operational costs. With hundreds of steam traps across multiple hospitals, identifying and addressing failures required a proactive and scalable solution by the hospital team. 

The Solution 

In 2019, Northwell Health partnered with APM Steam, Woburn, Mass., to implement an annual steam system maintenance program. This program involves surveying steam traps across the hospital network, identifying issues and performing necessary repairs. APM Steam’s comprehensive approach includes inspecting steam traps, replacing or repairing faulty components, installing insulation to reduce heat loss, and descaling heat exchangers to attain optimal performance. Importantly, APM Steam manages the utility incentive process, ensuring that Northwell receives available rebates while providing detailed data to guide maintenance decisions and prioritize high-impact improvements. 

Haneef Khan, a member of Northwell Health’s Energy Steering Committee, explains this approach: “The energy and cost savings were staggering. Combine that with incentive funding for energy reduction by National Grid and ConEd, we can achieve payback in well under 12 months by proactively maintaining steam traps, system insulation and heat exchangers across our hospital portfolio. We’re reducing our impact on the planet by reducing our CO2 emissions. The dollars we save in energy can be used to improve the quality of services we offer to the communities we serve. 

Results 

The partnership has delivered substantial results for Northwell Health. Since January 1, 2022, APM Steam has surveyed 9,817 steam traps across the hospital network, resulting in remarkable savings: 

• $2,403,672 in gas and electric savings 
• 946,500 Natural Gas Therms saved 
• $1,162,551 in utility incentives secured 

These efforts have yielded an overall return on investment (ROI) in just 1.4 years. The reduction in natural gas consumption not only translates to cost savings but significantly reduces Northwell Health’s carbon footprint. These results support the hospital network’s broader sustainability goals while improving operational efficiency and freeing up budget for other critical improvements. 

Over the years, Northwell Health has prioritized energy efficiency by participating in incentive programs offered by National Grid and ConEdison. These incentives have been instrumental in offsetting project costs and accelerating payback periods. With ongoing support from APM Steam, Northwell ensures that its steam systems operate safely and efficiently — minimizing waste, maximizing savings and maintaining reliability across its hospitals. 

Conclusion 

The success of Northwell Health’s steam system maintenance program underscores the importance of proactive, data-driven maintenance in reducing energy consumption and operational costs. By partnering with APM Steam, the hospital network has demonstrated that regular maintenance and strategic use of utility incentives can drive significant financial and environmental benefits. 

Moving forward, Northwell Health remains committed to expanding these efforts across its portfolio of hospitals, ensuring that energy savings can be reinvested to improve patient care, enhance infrastructure and better serve the communities that depend on them.