Solutions for Getting to Net-Zero by Developing a Plan to Reduce Emissions
In a recent research-based article from the independent, industry-focused healthcare foundation The Commonwealth Fund, the writers present a set of principles by which the U.S. healthcare system can mirror the commitments made by the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) to reduce carbon emissions and get to net-zero in the next two decades.
While reading, our team at AJ Manufacturing was engaged by the ways that commercial HVAC systems in hospitals and other healthcare facilities can contribute to the reduction of energy usage through the deployment of effective air distribution products and systems.
To that end, AJ Manufacturing has developed critical environment solutions that not only protect healthcare workers and their patients, but offer particular features that can aid in our customers’ energy usage, which is, as we know, a necessary measure for reducing carbon emissions.
Energy Efficiency and Our Criti-Clean™ ULTRA Air Distribution System
Our recently redesigned air distribution product, the Criti-Clean™ ULTRA, boasts several new features, including HEPA/ULPA filtration, laminar flow, antimicrobial materials, and – perhaps most importantly – modest power usage, while still offering the strength and performance you expect from AJ Manufacturing’s contributions to high-quality commercial HVAC systems.
The Commonwealth Fund’s overview of the NHS’ work specifically highlights how a healthcare facility’s systems – including heating and operations – are important areas to consider revamping for a net-zero commitment. AJ Manufacturing is pleased to recognize that we’ve been at the forefront of contributing to decarbonization in healthcare facilities, as we have products available now that can assist any facility when they’re ready to join this crucial mission.
Other Commercial HVAC System-Related Methods for Decarbonization
The supply chain and manufacturing of medicine makes up a significant portion of energy usage in the healthcare industry. We know that attention to how healthcare facilities operate will also make a big impact, as referenced by The Commonwealth Fund’s striking visual depiction of ways healthcare industry segments can lessen their carbon footprint. Healthcare facilities will account for a sizable portion of the industry’s reduction of carbon emissions.
In a recent article on our website, we covered how healthcare facilities can develop an energy-efficiency plan. Here are some of the highlights from that report, which bear repeating because of their practicality.
- Establish a Baseline and Set Targets
According to ASHE, the American Society for Healthcare Engineering, an important place to begin is by gathering data on three years’ worth of energy usage through utility bills. This can help stakeholders immediately understand the impact of their facilities, and provides insight into how the system uses energy.
Additionally, using ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager, the facility can investigate buildings of similar size and usage to draw a comparison. In particular, pay attention to businesses that have achieved ENERGY STAR certification for their reduction of energy use, as this is a designation awarded to facilities that have already begun reducing carbon emissions. This data can serve as a standard metric when participating in a decarbonization plan for the healthcare industry.
A facility can then research energy-efficiency practices for particular sectors within their buildings (for instance, critical environment solutions for operating rooms), and create month-to-month goals to reduce emissions. This plan could also include budgeting for the integration of energy-efficient air distribution products for the commercial HVAC system. - Research, Then Implement Grants for Air Distribution System Upgrades
It should go without saying that upgrades to a commercial HVAC system can significantly improve energy efficiency, especially when partnering with a manufacturer of air distribution products that take our world’s environmental concerns – as well as our customers’ safety and bottom line – seriously.
Integrating energy-efficient equipment into a preexisting system, or committing to an overhaul may, in fact, be a way to reach the targets mentioned in the previous suggestion proposed by ASHE. A facility can look into grants that provide subsidies and other incentives. These are likely to become available more widely now, given the recent passage of a federal health and energy bill in the United States.
Additional Decarbonization Strategies Outside of Commercial HVAC Systems
The Commonwealth Fund offers several decarbonization strategies that individual healthcare facilities can consider when making a commitment to decarbonizing their industry.
These include systemic and targeted goals, such as:
- LED lighting replacement
- Selection of healthcare transportation vehicles
- Reimagining how inhalers and anesthetics work
- Net-zero-committed leadership and governance
AJ Leads the Way in Energy-Efficient Commercial HVAC Systems for a Range of Uses
AJ Manufacturing has been innovating for energy efficiency in its air distribution systems and critical environment solutions in advance of societal and regulatory changes. This is why our energy-efficient air distribution products are available now with fast, efficient lead times that rival our pre-pandemic productivity.
Partner with AJ Manufacturing to find out how you can make important contributions to national and international commitments to decarbonization. Contact us here, or call us at (816) 231-5522 during regular business hours.
Source: Emily Hough, Evan D. Gumas, and Shanoor Seervai, Action to Decarbonize the U.S. Healthcare System: Lessons from the U.K.’s National Health Service (The Commonwealth Fund, July 2022).