Federal tax programs and many state and local incentives are available to help healthcare facilities upgrade their energy infrastructure and develop systems independent of the electric grid or back-up generators, according to an article the FaciitiesNet website.
U.S. hospitals spend nearly $5 billion annually on energy and related costs. Most main hospital buildings in the U.S. are more than 20 years old so a significant portion of that spending could be curbed through improvements in energy use, the article said.
Some facilities are using Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to fund infrastructure improvements with little-to-no upfront costs. A PPA also allows the institution to purchase electricity and/or thermal power from the PPA provider and through these payments, the hospital is also paying off a portion of the cost of a new system.
There also is a range of incentives encouraging healthcare facilities to install combined heat and power (CHP) technologies, which offer reliable off-grid power during major disruptions.
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings
Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health
Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires
Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather