02.09.13
Energy overspend costs NHS £93m a year
The healthcare sector is overspending on energy by £93m each year, new research suggests. The Energy Efficiency Financing (EEF) scheme found that the excess costs are due to inefficient technology, equipment and controls.
The scheme was set up by The Carbon Trust and Siemens Financial Services in 2011 and matches monthly payments for new equipment to monthly energy cost savings. It covers technology like low-energy lighting, low carbon air conditioning and heating and energy efficient motors.
Darren Riva, head of green financing of the EEF scheme, said: “Our analysis has shown that there is a huge market potential for energy savings from business investment in energy-efficient equipment, amounting to over £3.7bn per year across the country, and more than £93m in the healthcare sector alone. That potential energy saving covers heating, lighting, cooling and ventilation, amongst others.”
Myles McCarthy, managing director of Carbon Trust Implementation Services, added: “These figures demonstrate the huge opportunity businesses have to save energy and cost. Wise businesses who ensure their operations are using energy efficiently in these difficult economic times will reap huge benefits.
“We're seeing increasing demand amongst businesses for us to help them get to grips with energy-efficiency and capture the associated cost savings. Often organisations struggle to determine the most appropriate solutions for their business, and therefore do not have the confidence to progress and unlock these great opportunities.
“The Carbon Trust has already helped over 35,000 customers introduce £1.6bn worth of energy-efficient equipment, resulting in a £4.5bn reduction in energy costs.”
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