Energy efficiency in hospitals by good housekeeping.

In 1987 Somerset HA embarked upon a programme aimes at reducing its annual energy bill of 2.1 million pounds by 25% over a five year period whilst maintaining or improving on the standards of service and comfort required by the Department of Health. The target savings were to be achieved by the combination of good housekeeping measures and a parallel programme of capital investment in energy cost reduction projects. This Case Study briefly describes the good housekeeping elements of the programme. A later Case Study will cover energy savings arising from estate rationalisation. Initially, a policy statement set out the saving objectives and the methods to be used to achieve them. An Energy Management Group was set up for each of the three Units, consisting of members of the Unit Management team and chaired by the Unit General Manager. Energy "Monitors", appointed from existing staff in each department, were given the task of maintaining a watch on the day-to-day use of energy using equipment and identifying opportunities for savings.