Thabang Byl | Lead | Buildings Segment | Schneider Electric | mail me |
There is no doubt that today’s healthcare organisations face unique challenges. This is due to the essential and often critical nature of the services they provide. Whilst each country has its own, often distinctive, set of challenges, some are universal.
For one, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure remains a global challenge. As the world ages, so does its critical infrastructure. The healthcare industry is no different. It faces aging facilities while ensuring it has enough, and evolved space, to accommodate growing patient needs.
For healthcare, aging infrastructure can lead to inefficiencies, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety issues. There’s no quick fix. However, healthcare providers can implement some tangible interventions to alleviate the above.
For instance, Building Management Systems (BMS) address several facilities challenges. These systems enable hospitals and healthcare facilities to optimise processes. They also facilitate usage, save on energy consumption and support sustainable operations.
Energy usage managed and optimised
One of the primary roles of BMS is optimising energy use within healthcare facilities. Hospitals are energy-intensive environments. They rely on complex systems for lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and medical equipment.
Indeed, a study published in the journal Energies confirms this. Healthcare facilities in the US consume about 10.3% of the total energy used in the commercial sector. This figure averages approximately 2.6 times more usage than that of other commercial buildings.
BMS enable hospitals to control these systems based on real-time demand. They also allow for cost efficiency and the availability of renewable energy sources. It is energy management at its finest. Furthermore, BMS improve overall consumption, leading to significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
In addition, BMS enable healthcare facilities to implement energy-saving strategies. These include automated lighting control and intelligent HVAC systems. Such systems adjust temperature and airflow based on occupancy levels.
Through real-time data collection and analytics, a BMS in health facilities can identify inefficiencies in energy and water usage. It also provides actionable insights for continuous improvement. Additionally, by adding a microgrid – offering decentralised energy generation and storage, BMS can optimise energy usage. These systems intelligently switch between energy sources based on availability and cost.
Fault detection and preventive maintenance
BMS offers fantastic fault detection capability. It allows healthcare providers to identify and address system failures before they escalate. This ability is essential for maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations.
For example, BMS ensures early detection of issues such as HVAC malfunctions, electrical faults, or fire hazards. This ensures timely intervention, reducing downtime and preventing potential safety risks.
Also, and importantly, smoke and fire detection systems integrated into a BMS provide immediate alerts. These alerts enable swift action to mitigate danger. Additionally, predictive maintenance powered by fault detection technology extends the lifespan of infrastructure and medical equipment.
Furthermore, BMS enhances the overall patient experience. It offers features such as the maintenance of optimal indoor air quality, lighting, and temperature conditions.
Overcoming BMS adoption challenges
In South Africa, whilst the benefits of BMS in healthcare are clear, we continue to face challenges in its widespread adoption.
Public healthcare systems often face budget constraints. These financial limits make large-scale BMS implementation in health facilities difficult. On the other hand, private healthcare providers may have fewer obstacles. However, adoption still requires careful planning and investment.
To address these challenges, system providers must demonstrate the long-term cost savings and operational benefits of BMS in health facilities. By emphasising return on investment, energy savings, and enhanced patient care, healthcare facilities can undoubtedly justify the initial investment in BMS technology.
