Energy efficiency in hospitals: A guide to action on energy-saving approaches and technologies

Hospitals have a high demand for energy, especially electricity and gas. But a lot of energy is wasted: Due to the large investment backlog, the building fabric is often outdated and the building technology is no longer up to date. For a long time, due to the high workloads of the hospitals caused by structural change, staff shortages and frequent changes in the law, the issue of energy was of secondary importance. But the increased and fluctuating energy prices show that low energy efficiency can unexpectedly exacerbate financial problems for hospitals. The energy turnaround to mitigate climate change is likely to make fossil fuels more expensive in the future anyway. This makes the issue of energy efficiency in hospitals a new challenge of its own.

The Foundation's study shows that efficiency potential exists in all energy areas and can be realised in various ways. Savings can already be achieved with low-investment measures, and even larger investments should often be able to pay for themselves after only a few years.

Possibilities for action are shown for lighting and illumination, circulation pumps, the use of solar energy and photovoltaics as well as for indoor climate and cooling. It also shows when the installation of combined heat and power units can make sense and what options exist for heating and steam boilers. It also lists the effects of building insulation in combination with other measures. Energy-saving behaviour by employees can also contribute to savings.