NHS – England & Wales

RUMM is working in various capacities with several NHS institutions across England and Wales. This case study examines three specific locations to illustrate both the immediate and potential long-term benefits of installing an energy management solution within the NHS sector.

PROVEN METHODOLOGY
From survey to savings, RUMM has a proven method of methodology. From ongoing consultation and strategic planning sessions, to sophisticated data collection systems and intelligent data analysing software, RUMM can create a bespoke energy management solution to suit each client’s targets and goals.

With many NHS Trusts subject to strict budget control, RUMM is aware that it is essential to gauge the right balance between the extent of the solution proposed and the associated financial payback.

On-going meetings and evaluation using RUMM’s web-based analytical software suite ensures clients are able to achieve, and indeed surpass, the level of savings specified. To date, all clients have achieved a return on their investment in less than 12 months.

BESPOKE PROJECTS
Additional bespoke consultancy work such as tender writing, technical scoping surveys, portable metering and one-off projects can also be offered to clients within the NHS.

PRINCE CHARLES HOSPITAL – Merthyr Tydfill
Following in initial site survey, undertaken for any new client as part of RUMM’s Consultation and Planning service, various areas were identified at the hospital as having high energy usage.

These ranged from the lighting and air conditioning systems to vending machines, catering facilities, motors, drives and the MRI scanner.

Implementing improved shutdown procedures and replacing motors, as well as replacing the 30 year old lift system with a newer, more efficient model not only led to rapid cost savings over just 8 weeks, but also allowed the hospital to install another lift with no extra consumption cost.

In just 8 weeks, 12% electricity savings were generated, leading to an evaluated annual saving of at least £70,000. This equates to an energy saving of 1000MWh and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 400 tonnes.

WEST HEREFORDSHIRE NHS
RUMM worked on a short-term project with West Herefordshire NHS in July 2009, during which time it attended meetings on a bi-monthly basis to record, co-ordinate and implement energy saving solutions.

Work started on site with two surveys in order to identify both maintenance led energy saving projects and stand-alone energy saving solutions.

SAVINGS IN JUST 8 MONTHS
As a result of RUMM’s energy management solutions to date, an annual energy saving equating to £132,486 was made across the sites in just 8 months, against a project investment of just £64,498.

WATFORD GENERAL HOSPITAL
Detailed surveys across all the plant rooms, catering facilities, clinics and buildings on site at Watford General identified key areas where savings could be made.

LOW COST OPPORTUNITIES
From improving the control of the hot water and heating systems, to repairing water leaks on condensing receivers and incorporating boilers onto the main building management system, various low cost opportunities were identified to show immediate cost savings.

Additional maintenance measures were also taken including the addition of timers and night shutdown procedures on restaurant fan units.

ONGOING MEASURES
An additional review of air cooling units also revealed further opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

ST ALBANS CITY HOSPITAL
As with the work undertaken at Watford, initial maintenance surveys at St Albans revealed key issues that could be easily addressed in order to generate savings.

REPAIR PROGRAMME
Various repairs on boilers and hot water heaters were recommended to remove steam leaks. Pressure was reduced on boilers, pneumatic controls were replaced with an electric solenoid system and a small trend unit was installed to control a heating system.

In addition timer controls were fitted to air handling units, chiller unit controls were enhanced and IT equipment operation and control was improved.

These clear and effective measures combined with raising staff and patient awareness of energy saving responsibility has led to a saving of over 600 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

The Future – Savings of over £1million
Taking a longer-term approach has also been key to RUMM’s relationship with the NHS and a number of initiatives have been proposed which could intensify energy savings to over £1million a year.

These include, but are not limited to installing an AM&T system, upgrading lighting, replacing chiller units and implementing a combined heat and power system.

Whichever path is chosen, energy management solutions within the NHS sector cannot fail to be effective and will give a guaranteed return on investment – both on maintenance programmes and stand alone solutions.

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