Efficient energy management in hospitals: challenge and opportunity to improve sustainability

Hospitals are essential institutions that must ensure the health and well-being of patients, staff comfort, and operational efficiency. However, one of the major challenges these centers face is the high energy consumption required to maintain optimal operating conditions within the facility. Energy resource management is not only an economic issue but also an environmental one, as irresponsible use contributes to climate change and environmental degradation. Hospitals have high energy expenditures because they must maintain optimal conditions to reduce the risk of infections and diseases, improve patient recovery, and ensure the smooth functioning of the facility. Therefore, adopting technological solutions that optimize energy consumption is essential to move toward a more sustainable model. Edison Next, with its experience in the energy sector, offers solutions specifically designed to improve energy management in hospitals. Among these solutions, photovoltaic self-consumption systems and building management systems (BMS) stand out, as they are key to intelligently optimizing resources. Building management and monitoring systems (BMS) are advanced platforms that centralize and automate the control of hospital infrastructure, such as lighting, temperature, humidity, air quality, and other factors that influence patient comfort and operational efficiency in different areas of the hospital. In this way, BMS ensure appropriate levels for each hospital zone, adapting to the specific parameters and needs of patients and staff. One of the main benefits of BMS is their ability to precisely control and adapt these factors to different hospital areas. For example, emergency areas require stricter control of HVAC and air quality. Through a BMS, it is possible to ensure that conditions remain within appropriate parameters at all times, avoiding HVAC issues that could affect hospital operations. These systems allow for anticipating potential failures or deviations in the infrastructure’s HVAC systems before they become a major problem. This early detection capability helps prevent service interruptions, minimizing potential repair costs. Another key aspect of efficient energy resource management is the integration of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic energy. Edison Next’s photovoltaic self-consumption systems allow hospitals to generate their own energy, reducing dependence on external energy sources. This incorporation of solar panels not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces the hospital’s carbon footprint. Photovoltaic energy can be directly integrated into the hospital’s HVAC system. During hours of greatest solar radiation, the hospital can harness this energy to power its air conditioning or heating systems, thereby reducing electricity consumption from the grid. This integration not only lowers long-term operational costs but also contributes to the hospital’s commitment to sustainability and ecosystem protection. Edison Next offers innovative solutions that incorporate advanced energy monitoring and management technologies for hospitals. By combining these solutions with the integration of renewable energies, hospitals can significantly reduce their energy consumption and operational costs. The implementation of intelligent management systems, such as BMS, and the adoption of renewable energies not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also improve the experience for patients and staff, ensuring optimal working and care conditions.