Planning an energy management program based on hospital electricity consumption in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Hospital buildings present substantial energy savings possibilities, especially in older buildings. Global warming and the international drive to reduce Carbon dioxide emissions have led hospital executive staff and facility managers to strive for reducing hospital energy usage through innovative technology and tools. Energy management in a hospital hence becomes a strategic area with a great potential for cost reduction through different energy saving measures. A descriptive observational study was done over a period of nine months to study the average consumption of electricity. The awareness of employees was assessed through an energy-awareness questionnaire, supplemented with walk-arounds and interviews. It was seen that at current consumption levels, carbon dioxide emission was substantial. Employee awareness on energy saving behaviours was high, but the practices observed left much to be desired, suggesting the need for an energy management plan. It is easier to obtain energy savings when the efforts are part of a structured program.