HVAC SYSTEMS
Optimising boiler houses: a sustainable journey
‘Sustainability isn’t a destination – it’s a journey’, argues Steve Bishop, Business Development manager at Spirax Sarco. In this article he focuses on optimising the running and maintenance of the boiler house as part of that ongoing commitment, and the benefits this can bring. His message is that even small steps can bring considerable increases in plant efficiency, while reducing both costs and carbon emissions.
The healthcare sector faces mounting pressures to reduce its carbon footprint and energy consumption while continuing to provide essential services. Global targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement, call for limiting temperature rises to 1.5 °C, and cutting emissions annually. These goals highlight the urgent need for action across all industries, including healthcare. In the healthcare sector, energy efficiency is vital not only for sustainability, but also for maintaining critical services in a cost-effective way. By focusing on small but impactful changes, healthcare facilities can make a significant difference in their operational budgets and environmental footprint. Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely heavily on boiler
houses to power essential processes like heating, hot water, and sterilisation. However, inefficient systems can lead to significant energy waste and higher operational costs, directly impacting a facility’s budget and sustainability objectives. The challenge lies in balancing these demands while supporting patient care, which remains the highest priority. While the road to sustainability may seem
overwhelming, the key lies in breaking it down into smaller, actionable steps. For healthcare facilities, this journey begins in the boiler house.
Global targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement, call for limiting temperature rises to 1.5 °C, and cutting emissions annually.
The ‘Six Rs of Sustainability’: a boiler house focus for healthcare A practical starting point for healthcare facilities is adopting the ‘Six Rs of Sustainability’, which provide a clear framework for making meaningful changes. Before
embarking on any optimisation efforts, it’s essential to gather baseline data such as energy load profiling and metering insights to understand where inefficiencies exist. Armed with this information, facilities can apply the Six Rs to transform their boiler house operations. Let’s look at each in turn.
1) Reduce Cutting down on fuel consumption is one of the most straightforward ways to lower emissions and costs. To do this I suggest: n Auditing energy use: Conduct a thorough assessment of current energy consumption to identify inefficiencies, such as boilers running unnecessarily during low- demand periods.
n Implementing efficient control systems: automated controls can ensure that boilers only operate when needed, minimising waste, while maintaining reliability. For example, installing timers and load-matching controls allows systems to respond dynamically to real- time energy demands.
2) Re-use Maximising the resources already present within the system reduces the need for new energy inputs. n Recover and re-use steam: Flash steam generated during operations can often be recaptured and redirected to other facility needs, reducing the demand for newly generated steam.
n Optimise water usage: condensate – the water produced when steam cools – still contains valuable energy. Re-using this condensate in the boiler reduces fuel consumption and lowers operational costs.
3) Recycle Recycling within the boiler house primarily involves returning resources like heat and water back into the system. I would thus suggest: n Recycling condensate: sending warm condensate back to the boiler reduces the energy required to heat fresh water. Additionally, this practice decreases the need for water treatment chemicals, which further reduces costs.
n Capturing waste heat: By using heat exchangers, facilities can recover heat from exhaust gases and use it to pre-heat boiler feedwater, increasing overall efficiency.
4) Refuse This principle focuses on eliminating outdated, inefficient processes in favour of more sustainable alternatives. To do this, I would suggest: n Evaluating current practices: many healthcare
54 Health Estate Journal February 2025
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