(CMR) Health Services Authority (HSA) has launched energy efficiency initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and to lower utility costs at the Cayman Islands Hospital by an estimated $360,000 per year.
These initiatives will make the HSA a corporate leader in environmental sustainability in the Cayman Islands.
HSA said it hopes to save more than 20% in energy costs through a series of capital investments and initiatives to be implemented this year. These include replacing aging windows across the facility with more energy-efficient thermal windows, installing a 200KW solar photovoltaic system, replacing all lighting with LED, introducing a hospital-wide recycling program, acquiring four modern, technologically advanced chillers, and a new wastewater treatment plant.
“The Cayman Islands Hospital has significant space on the roof which will be used for the generation of clean energy and serve as a backup power supply in the event of sustained interruption to the grid supply,” said HSA Chief Executive Officer Lizzette Yearwood.
“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,” Yearwood stated.
New windows will be installed throughout the campus, with priority being in patient care areas which will improve thermal protection, hurricane resiliency, and overall aesthetics.
A 12% reduction in energy consumption was realized following the replacement of two chillers in 2019; 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 program, 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.
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