Energy Efficiency  -  July 2, 2018

UW Health improves energy efficiency by 24%

UW Health announced it has improved energy efficiency by 24% over the last five years, saving an estimated $13 million in the process. This achievement was reached as part of the company’s participation in the U.S. Department of Energy as part of its Better Buildings Challenge, which provided a goal of improving energy by 20% over 10 years beginning in 2013. UW Health reached this goal in 2017, four years ahead of schedule.  

In a statement from the company, Mary Evers Statz, UW Health sustainability director said, "To come in six years ahead of our goals is a huge accomplishment and shows the dedication and commitment our organization has towards sustainability. Our highly engaged staff is key to our success. Our sustainability team reaches across the entire system to look for ways to improve."

The biggest savings in energy came from retro-commissioning efforts, a process for existing buildings that ensures equipment and systems operate optimally. UW Health focused these efforts on larger locations, with actions that included checking the efficiency of the air- conditioning systems and switching light bulbs. The company also reduced energy costs by replacing older equipment with more energy-efficient equipment, sealing ductwork, and replacing older lights with LED versions. Physicians also led initiatives to reduce energy and waste in the operating rooms.

These energy improvements covered approximately 4.6 million square feet of space of the UW Health enterprise across six hospitals and 80 outpatient sites.