In Kenya, the healthcare sector plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of people. With the country striving towards universal health coverage, the demand for healthcare services is steadily increasing. In fact, Kenya’s health sector grew by 5.1 percent in the third quarter of 2023. However, this growth also brings a significant rise in operational costs, particularly due to energy consumption. Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive buildings – they operate on a large scale, featuring numerous energy-intensive devices. They require substantial power and run continuously, resulting in high energy demands. Research shows that hospitals consume considerably more energy than standard public buildings, with energy usage often ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 times higher.
As the cost of energy continues to rise, hospitals face mounting pressure to find ways to manage these expenses effectively. Implementing energy-efficient solutions can significantly reduce these costs, allowing hospitals to allocate more resources to critical areas such as medical equipment, staff, and patient care. By focusing on energy efficiency, healthcare facilities can improve financial sustainability, enhance patient care, and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone. As one of the leading civil engineering companies in Nairobi, we share some of the insights on the importance of energy efficiency in hospital design:
Reducing operational costs
Hospitals need to run 24/7, power specialised equipment, and keep the air clean and comfortable all day, every day. All of this means high energy bills, which significantly impact the overall cost of running a healthcare facility. In Kenya, where energy prices can be unpredictable, managing these expenses is crucial. So, how can hospitals reduce these costs? One effective way is by incorporating energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels. By doing so, hospitals can cut down their energy bills. And the best part? The money saved on energy can be reinvested into improving patient care and enhancing healthcare outcomes. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Reliable services
It’s not just about cutting costs—energy efficiency also helps make healthcare services more reliable. Hospitals can’t afford to have power outages, especially in critical departments such as intensive care units, operating theatres, and emergency rooms. Imagine the consequences if a power outage happened during surgery. Energy-efficient systems that include renewable energy, battery storage, or combined heat and power solutions can help reduce hospitals’ reliance on the grid and make energy supply more stable. In Kenya, where power outages are common, incorporating solar power into hospital designs can provide a steady supply of electricity, even during grid failures.
Sustainability:
Hospitals have a significant carbon footprint due to their round-the-clock operations. Kenya has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of its international climate goals, and the healthcare sector can play a big part in achieving these targets.
Energy-efficient hospitals are designed to use less electricity and fewer fossil fuels, which means a lower carbon footprint. Features such as natural ventilation, daylighting (using natural sunlight instead of artificial lighting), and water conservation systems can make a big difference in reducing environmental impact. By making hospitals more sustainable, we can contribute to a healthier planet while providing essential healthcare services.
Patient and staff well-being
Energy-efficient hospital design doesn’t just help the environment and save money—it also improves the quality of the indoor environment. This has a direct impact on both patients and staff. Factors such as air quality, lighting, noise levels, and temperature control are all part of what’s called “indoor environmental quality.” Good indoor quality can lead to better patient outcomes and make healthcare workers more comfortable and productive.
As Kenya continues on the path to universal health coverage, building energy-efficient hospitals can help us get there faster and more sustainably.
Looking for Civil Engineering Companies in Nairobi that Prioritise energy efficiency?
Explore our civil engineering solutions. We are one of the leading civil engineering firms in Nairobi, offering a wide range of services. We have considerable experience in the planning and construction of schools, residential buildings, hospitals, fit outs and more. Our team integrates innovative solutions that help reduce energy consumption, ensuring that projects are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. By using modern technologies, renewable energy solutions, and smart building practices, we deliver projects that meet the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability.