Greener healthcare facilities could mean lower healthcare costs

Healthcare facilities can generate a massive amount of waste and energy use


In developed economies, healthcare activities emit an enormous amount of greenhouse gases, according to an article on the Fortune website. 

If U.S. healthcare were a country, it would be the thirteenth largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. U.S. healthcare is also responsible for 9 percent of the country’s air pollution, 12 percent of acid rain emissions, and 10 percent of smog-forming emissions. 

Hospitals can cut down on their greenhouse gases and other emissions. Gundersen Health System, a Wisconsin-based non-profit, implemented a large scale energy plan, including geothermal wells, methane capture from landfills and cow manure, wind power, solar hot water and an onsite biomass boiler. 

The hospital has saved $20.3 million since 2008. Their energy cost in 2018 was $1.98 per square foot versus $2.60 per square foot in 2008. This was despite having approximately 30 percent higher electricity prices compared to its 2008 baseline.

Read the article.



September 13, 2019


Topic Area: Energy and Power


Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.