The 2021 Hospital Energy and Water Benchmarking Survey by Grumman|Butkus Associates found that U.S. hospitals’ use of fossil fuels is declining since the inception of the annual survey 25 years ago, but electricity use is dipping more slowly.
The average combined Btu/ft2 (electricity plus gas/steam) for participating facilities was 236,743 in this year’s survey, up from 233,491 in 2019. “However, interpretation of year-to-year trends should be tempered by the realization that the respondent pool for the 2021 survey was different from the pool from the 2020 edition, due to the stresses that COVID-19 response placed on the healthcare facility personnel who normally participate, particularly during 2019,” according to a news release.
Hospitals’ average carbon footprint has remained fairly steady at 50 to 60 pounds of CO2 equivalent per square foot per year since GBA began calculating carbon data in 1999. CO2 footprint in 2020 was up from a low in 2019 (likely attributable to a change in respondents for the 2020 survey), but still shows an 18% decrease from 2018.
“To meet the ambitious goals put forth by the Biden Administration, hospitals will have to achieve much more significant reductions in the near term,” says GBA-Illinois Chairman Dan Doyle. “These reductions can only be achieved by implementing larger and more costly retrofits of existing buildings.
“The drive to decarbonize will also require building owners to embrace fuel switching to renewable-based energy sources. Many leading healthcare systems are implementing on-site renewables (usually solar photovoltaic systems), as well as off-site renewables, often funded through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to purchase some or all of their electricity.”
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 30, 2018
Buffett, Bezos, Dimon partner to tackle the U.S. healthcare system
The three mega companies—Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase—will pursue the formation of an independent company that is “free from profit-making incentives and constraints” when it comes to U.S. employee healthcare.
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 29, 2018
The new Virginia Tech Biomedical Research Addition will include research facilities in five thematic areas
The project is a collaboration between Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech.
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 10, 2018
Healthcare market year in review for 2017
While we have not fully turned the corner on healthcare reform and in particular healthcare payment reform, 2017 confirmed trends of consumerism and the need for more proximate low-cost options.
Retail Centers | Jan 9, 2018
The addition of a medical practice is part of the cure for reviving a shopping mall in Scranton, Pa.
Delta Medix is one of several tenants that are changing the image of the Marketplace at Steamtown.
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 6, 2018
A new precision dental center embodies Columbia University’s latest direction for oral medicine education
The facility, which nests at “the core” of the university’s Medical Center, relies heavily on technology and big data.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 19, 2017
‘Healing Oasis’ will provide healthcare services to veterans in northern California
Hoefer Wysocki designed the $40 million facility.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 11, 2017
2018 predictions for healthcare facility design
From emergency departments to microhospitals, to the amenities in and locations of hospitals, the year ahead will see continued changes in how healthcare providers are designing and equipping their facilities.
Market Data | Dec 5, 2017
Top health systems engaged in $21 billion of U.S. construction projects
Largest active projects are by Sutter Health, New York Presbyterian, and Scripps Health.
Healthcare Facilities | Nov 30, 2017
Scope it out
How to design and build what’s needed to meet organizational goals and strategies.
University Buildings | Nov 28, 2017
FXFOWLE and CO Architects collaborate on Columbia University School of Nursing building
The building has a ‘collaboration ribbon’ that runs throughout the building.
