Hospitals operate some of the most energy-intensive buildings in the world, and every wasted kilowatt-hour or therm takes dollars away from patient care. The good news: many of the most effective energy savings don’t require massive capital project, just smarter use of the systems you already have. In our From Boiler Room to Bottom Line webinar, Thomas Diliberti, Senior Manager-Energy & Sustainability at EnergyCAP, shared twelve proven strategies that help healthcare facilities cut utility costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen collaboration between finance and operations. Here’s a quick guide to those strategies and the benefits they can deliver.
12 Proven Energy Saving Strategies for Hospitals
1. Retro-commissioning
Hospitals often assume their systems are working fine, but retro-commissioning consistently reveals hidden inefficiencies. Tom stressed this as the #1 savings strategy, since poorly calibrated systems create both comfort issues and high costs.
2. Energy-efficient lighting
Lighting can be up to 20% of a hospital’s utility bill. Replacing fluorescent fixtures with LEDs quickly pays for itself, especially in 24/7 spaces.
3. Operating room unoccupied setbacks
ORs are energy hogs due to strict airflow requirements. Tom explained that even modest reductions in ventilation and temperature when rooms are unoccupied can produce massive savings without compromising safety.
4. Economizers
Often overlooked or misconfigured, economizers should open during mild outdoor conditions to flush buildings with fresh air, and close during humid or extreme weather. Tom noted they’re “ripe with opportunity” for savings.
5. Temperature and ventilation setbacks
Beyond ORs, applying setbacks across the facility when spaces are unoccupied helps avoid unnecessary heating/cooling loads.
6. Steam trap repair and replacement
Steam systems are common in hospitals, but failing traps waste huge amounts of energy. Consistent repair/replacement is critical.
7. Thermostat setpoints and standards
Tom emphasized the need for consistent standards (e.g., heat to 70°F, cool to 74°F). Allowing individual preferences leads to simultaneous heating/cooling and wasted dollars.
8. Air handling unit static duct pressure reset
Air doesn’t need to be pushed at the same pressure all day. Resetting static pressure based on occupancy/conditions saves significant fan energy.
9. Chilled water reset schedules
Chilled water plants are sized for the hottest day of the year—but that’s just one day. Resetting temps the rest of the year can dramatically reduce energy use.
10. Hot water reset schedules
Similarly, resetting hot water temps in milder conditions saves energy without affecting comfort.
11. Supply air temperature reset schedules
Adjusting supply air temps dynamically keeps patients comfortable while reducing unnecessary load on HVAC systems.
12. Filter replacement
Simple, but Tom called it “hard to execute.” Regular filter changes across thousands of AHUs/RTUs are vital for airflow efficiency and system health.
