Digital retrofits can reduce hospital energy consumption by up to 18%, delivering the fastest and most scalable efficiency gains.
A study from Schneider Electric developed with JLL analysed nine Energy and Carbon Conservation Measures across seven global hospital locations. It found digital upgrades were fast and cost effective.
Hospitals operate critical equipment, HVAC systems and digital infrastructure 24/7, making downtime impossible.
The modelling showed digital retrofits could unlock energy savings of 10,500 kWh per year, equivalent to powering four average homes annually.
Researchers found whole life carbon payback was achieved in under one year, with most projects delivering return on investment in under five years.
In some regions, energy costs were cut by 80% in New York and 89% in Adelaide through climate specific optimisation.
The healthcare sector accounts for around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with ageing infrastructure increasing operational risk.
The analysis concluded that digital measures such as Building Management System upgrades, occupancy based controls and power monitoring consistently outperformed physical retrofits.
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