Hospital invests over $2M in new green initiatives
(CNS): The Health Services Authority (HSA) plans to spend between CI$1.8 and $2 million on green investments in order to reduce its annual operating costs and its carbon footprint. Officials said they expect to lower utility bills by around $360,000 and be more sustainable by investing in modern energy saving technologies.
The hospitals ageing windows are to be replaced with efficient thermal windows, a 200kw solar photovoltaic system is to be installed on the roof, and four modern, technologically advanced chillers have been acquired, as well as a new wastewater treatment plant, which officials said would be an additional cost to the estimated energy saving investments.
All lighting is being switched to LED and a hospital-wide recycling programme is also being introduced.
“The Cayman Islands Hospital has significant space on the roof which will be used for the generation of clean energy and serve as a back-up power supply in the event of sustained interruption to the grid supply,” said HSA Chief Executive Officer Lizzette Yearwood in a press release about the green investments.
“We are implementing major upgrades to our facility to make it more energy efficient, which signifies our commitment to be fiscally responsible and good stewards of the environment. While the environmental benefits are important, the upgrades will ultimately provide a better experience for our patients,” she added.
New windows will be installed throughout the hospital facilities with priority being in patient care areas, which will improve thermal protection, hurricane resiliency, and overall aesthetics.
A 12% reduction in energy consumption is expected after the replacement of two chillers in 2019, and upgrading the remaining four is expected to show a marked reduction in the energy requirements to air-condition the main campus.
“The Board’s commitment to sustainable operations is part of HSA’s strategic initiative towards clean energy and overall efficiency improvements,” said HSA Board Chairman Jonathan Tibbetts.
“These fit within our current facility modernization programme which will improve the overall patient experience at all HSA facilities and ensure healthcare remains affordable and accessible. Alongside the environmental benefits the works will bring for the HSA, local businesses are also anticipated to benefit in the construction and implementation phase of the project, helping to boost the local economy,” Tibbetts added.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
Category: Energy, Health, Medical Health, Science & Nature
Challenergy, a Japanese company, has developed a wind turbine that can generate electricity even in a hurricane.
This wind turbine is capable of generating power at a maximum wind speed of 40 m/s, and is attracting attention as a revolutionary generator.
Solar power generation relies heavily on expensive batteries, so we need to consider installing new wind turbines like this one.
It would help if the hospital (and the GAM) did not keep the temperature just above freezing.
Is that solar generated electricity being consumed and/or stored by the hospital, or fed back into the grid – and further reducing the CUC allotment for CORE?
Now maybe HSA can clean the AC vents in some of the rooms!!
Excellent initiatives, congratulations HSA! The wider government needs to look at other opportunities to cut the cost of running the public sector so we can begin to see a reduction in the cost of living through lower import duties and other fees. The per capita cost of running the local public service will soon become unsustainable unless similar measures are deployed on a wider scale.
Call it a ‘green new deal’ 😉 The HSA numbers work out to a 5.5 year ROI. So a pump of money into the private sector of the economy buying and replacing equipment (which could be spread over several years as Govt. doesn’t have a money tree) resulting in environmental and economic savings in the future. I like it. View it as a COVID economic recovery plan and make part of the criteria for contracts business size, % Caymanian employees, etc., to spur small business creation, and growth.
Great job HSA now implement this at all District Clinics. Also CUC should install LED street lights throughout Cayman and look for more greener alternatives.
cayman(cig) has a 3rd world attitude to sustainability and environmental protection.
Yes the previous time they upgraded the hospital all the old equipment was taken to the dump, crushed and buried. Including x-ray equipment which had not been properly decommissioned
Which companies are being awarded the contracts? Can a list of the companies and persons in significant control be published? Were there cheaper options available overseas? How much extra has the taxpayer paid by the HSA sourcing locally? Is it very significant?
Contracts of this value has to go through a public procurement process which is open to all bidders. see http://www.procure.gov.ky for further details.
LOL
Well, they criticized Jesus when he was here 🤷♂️ so I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise that people will try to find fault with whatever people try to do.
Congratulations. I hope this initiative spurs the government to make the schools energy sustainable and green. Clifton Hunter H.S. Has acres of roof and covered walkways that could easily support solar infrastructure. We can do this. Let’s start.
2021 this is happening…. island time obviously