NIGHT audits have been carried out in Letterkenny University Hospital as part of a raft of measures to tackle soaring energy costs.
The audits have been conducted to ensure that unused equipment and lighting in unoccupied areas are switched off outside of business hours.
The hospital is also rolling out further cost-cutting projects this year including further LED lighting replacements and the commissioning of a solar PV installation to serve the medical academy.
An Energy Projects Register of Opportunities, which is constantly under review by the Green Team, hospital management and the HSE Capital and Estates Department, has also been developed.
Despite increased activity at the hospital in 2022, LUH has reduced electrical energy by approximately three per cent on the same period in 2021.
But, while good progress has been made to decarbonise the building, the HSE say more can be done with all new developments at the hospital to achieve an A Building Energy Rating.
A HSE spokesperson told the Donegal News: “The hospital staff, supported by HSE Capital and Estates, has completed on-site energy assessments and night audits to ensure unused equipment and lighting in unoccupied areas is switched off during out of business hours.
Energy awareness days are held regularly at the hospital, with one held in May of this year.”
LUH has been controlling, monitoring and measuring energy through a multi-disciplinary Green Team which is well established and meets monthly.
“The team is implementing the SEAI Energy map programme (a public sector energy management programme offering comprehensive support and engagement to guide public hospitals in reaching their energy targets).”
The spokesperson added that all departments within the hospital re sub-metered and monthly reports on energy consumption and associated costs are reported by department at the monthly Green Team meeting.
Meanwhile, Donegal County Council has confirmed it is rolling out a number of measures in a bid to cut skyrocketing energy costs. The local authority has said it is to implement a “reduce your use” and further energy conservation campaigns over the coming months.
The move comes as the Cabinet has approved a suite of energy-efficient measures across the public sector.
Public sector bodies will be required to set temperatures as a guideline at 19 degrees, where appropriate, to turn off heat in office buildings at least one to two hours before the buildings close and to ensure there is no non-security /safety lighting in use after 8pm.
It is expected that this campaign can deliver five to 10 per cent energy savings across the sector and up to 15 per cent in buildings.
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