ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN A TERTIARY HEALTHCARE INSTITUTE: ENERGY CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AND SAVING OPPORTUNITIES

Background: Large hospitals, with continuous operations and advanced medical systems, consume substantial energy, impacting costs and sustainability. This two-year study (October 2022–September 2024) at a 1,500-bed tertiary care facility in Hyderabad examines energy use trends and conservation strategies. Aims and Objectives: To assess energy consumption patterns, calculate the Energy Performance Index (EPI), evaluate conservation measures, and quantify energy and CO2 savings over two years. Results: Total consumption was 17,074,818 kWh, costing Rs. 147,108,889, averaging 8,537,409 kWh and Rs. 73,554,445 annually. Daily usage was 23,383 kWh, with 17.2 kWh/bed/day. The EPI for the two PMSSY blocks was 215 kWh/sqm/year (2022–2023) and 244 kWh/sqm/year (2023–2024), exceeding the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) benchmark of 180 kWh/sqm/year. Retrofits, including 3,000 LED lights, 2,400 BLDC fans, and 40 5-star split ACs, saved 921,465 kWh (307,155 kWh in 2022–2023, 614,310 kWh in 2023–2024), Rs. 6,450,255, and 754,839 kg CO2. Proposed measures, like 5-star refrigerators, could save 253,167 kWh/year and 207,344 kg CO2/year. Conclusion: The hospital shows significant conservation potential, though its EPI exceeds national standards. Adopting solar power and building management systems could align with India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), reducing costs and emissions.