Health Care 446 Dq1 Wk 3

HCS 446 Week 3, DQ 1

What types of “green” techniques and / or processes could you implement in your facility in order to help the environment? List 2 and justify them in terms of a cost / benefit analysis.

Green efficient facilities are healthy, profitable, and environmentally responsible. There are many ways a facility can help the environment with green technology and reduce operating and maintenance costs. Designing green projects can be expensive in start up costs green technology provides cost savings in the long run because of energy and water efficiency. Green improvement techniques will improve the health and productivity of the occupants of the facility and the neighboring community while reducing the likelihood of fines and liabilities for producing poor air quality and other indoor environmental issues. Energy efficient facilities us different methods but generally focus on water, energy, atmospheric, materials and resources, and indoor air quality efficiency. Healthcare facilities use large amounts of water and practicing better water management process can reduce water waste. One way is through water efficiency such as low flow faucets and toilets, which will reduce the quantity of water needed for the facility and reduce municipal water supplies and treatment burden. Water saving techniques will reduce energy consumption, which will result in cost savings in water and sewer bills. Water Conservation Programs perform benefit analysis on facilities that are becoming more energy efficient. “Hospitals that have conducted successful water use reduction programs have been able to reduce water use by approximately 20 to 30%. For large facilities, this can translate to over $100,000 per year savings in water, sewer and energy costs. Based on published reports, healthcare facilities that implement water conservation changes can expect a return on investment (ROI) in the range of approximately 25% - 40%” (Healthcare Environmental Resource Center, 2011)....