Automated Building Systems Generate Energy Efficiency by Utilizing Data in Hospitals' Operations
In the United States, healthcare buildings consume a significant portion of the total energy and generate a substantial amount of carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for approximately 20% of energy usage and nearly 40% of carbon dioxide emissions [1]. However, the introduction of intelligent networking technologies is set to change this trend, offering innovative solutions for energy savings and sustainability.
These technologies, which integrate Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors and devices, enable real-time monitoring and regulation of lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and energy consumption [2]. By automatically adjusting settings based on occupancy and environmental conditions, these systems eliminate unnecessary energy use, aligning consumption with actual demand.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in these systems, with AI-driven predictive maintenance analysing data collected from equipment and building systems to predict potential failures before they occur [3]. This proactive approach ensures timely maintenance, reducing costly downtime, extending asset lifespans, and conserving resources.
Dynamic energy management is another key feature, with AI algorithms forecasting energy demand by analysing historical usage, real-time loads, and external factors like weather [4]. These forecasts enable precision energy provisioning, minimising overuse and cutting carbon emissions. AI can also dynamically reallocate workloads across systems, shutting down or throttling idle components to run the facility leaner and greener without compromising performance or patient care.
Optimised cooling systems are another significant benefit, as HVAC and cooling systems are major energy consumers in healthcare buildings. Intelligent technologies continuously monitor thermal variables (temperature, airflow, humidity) and adjust cooling in real time to prevent overcooling, significantly reducing energy waste while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
Centralised, data-driven facility management is another advantage, with smart building platforms integrating multiple data streams—energy use, occupancy, equipment status—into centralised dashboards for facility managers [2]. This real-time visibility supports rapid response to inefficiencies and informed decisions that optimise resource use and sustainability outcomes.
The integration of these technologies also supports the integration of green building elements such as LED lighting, solar panels, efficient HVAC systems, and waste reduction programs. They also help healthcare facilities pursue certifications like LEED, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship and community trust.
In addition to these technological advancements, low- or no-cost strategies such as behavioural changes can also be effective. For instance, reminding employees to turn off systems not in use can lower energy consumption significantly, with one Efficiency Vermont customer reducing energy usage by more than 30% due to behavioural changes [1].
Benchmarking is a great starting point to get an overall picture of a building's energy performance. Comparing energy consumption against similar hospitals within the same climate region can help understand and improve energy consumption. Smart buildings provide granular visibility into energy usage, which can be challenging to obtain otherwise.
The effective use of these intelligent networking technologies can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and decrease waste, such as greenhouse gas emissions, for healthcare organisations. Layering networked capabilities onto a building automation system can make a hospital grid interactive, automatically adjusting internal temperatures based on electricity pricing, grid load, and other factors.
Sustainability is not just important for environmental reasons, but also to maintain a competitive advantage, retain talent, and future-proof business models. Examples of key measurables for building efficiency identified by Columbia University's Center for Buildings, Infrastructure and Public Space include lighting, windows, chillers, boilers, building management systems, and renewable energy sources [5].
In conclusion, intelligent networking technologies in US healthcare buildings enable real-time energy optimisation, predictive maintenance, and dynamic management, all of which drive substantial energy savings and promote sustainability while enhancing patient care and operational resilience [1][2][3][4].
- The integration of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet-of-Things (IoT), and data-and-cloud-computing can lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency in environmental-science fields, such as healthcare, by enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of systems like lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and energy consumption.
- With AI-driven systems, dynamic energy management can be achieved by analyzing historical usage, real-time loads, and external factors like weather to forecast energy demand, enabling precision energy provisioning and minimizing overuse, which in turn cuts carbon emissions and conserves resources related to finance and business.
- By leveraging technology in facilities management, including intelligent cooling systems and centralized, data-driven platforms, healthcare organizations can optimize resource use, decrease waste, lower costs, and enhance sustainability, ultimately maintaining a competitive advantage, retaining talent, and future-proofing business models in the science and climate-change arenas.
