DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Technology-enabled space management solutions offer valuable insights into volumes, occupancy levels, utilisation rates, and building efficiency, to further reduce environmental impact.
enabling them to pinpoint areas for improvement, and implement targeted interventions to reduce consumption.
A holistic approach required Achieving carbon neutrality requires a holistic approach that extends beyond energy management to encompass broader sustainability initiatives. NHS Trusts must consider the environmental impact of their operations across multiple dimensions, including waste management, water conservation, and transportation. Through sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and promoting active transportation options, Trusts can minimise their ecological footprint, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. In addition to environmental benefits, embracing sustainability initiatives offers tangible benefits for healthcare organisations – including cost savings and improved operational efficiency. By reducing energy consumption and optimising resource utilisation, Trusts can achieve significant cost savings over the long term, bolstering financial sustainability and resilience. Sustainable healthcare estates also create healing environments that promote patient well-being and comfort, contributing to enhanced recovery rates and patient satisfaction.
Navigating the road to carbon neutrality is not without
its challenges, however. NHS Trusts must contend with numerous barriers to sustainability – including outdated infrastructure, limited financial resources, and organisational inertia. Addressing these challenges requires an approach that encompasses technological innovation, investment, and change management. Trusts must prioritise the modernisation of their infrastructure, investing in energy-efficient technologies and digital solutions that streamline data collection and analysis. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration is essential to overcoming organisational resistance to change. Technology holds the key to addressing the challenges of ERIC reporting and sustainability initiatives in NHS Trusts. Technologies such as Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS), Building Management Systems (BMS), and Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM), offer a far-reaching approach to data management and analysis. By automating data capture, consolidating disparate data sources, and providing real-time insights, these technologies empower NHS Trusts to make informed decisions and drive operational efficiency. At its core, the integration of technology in healthcare estates represents a paradigm shift in how data is collected, managed, and utilised. The objective is to seamlessly consolidate disparate data sources across
96 Health Estate Journal October 2024
the organisation, and provide real-time insights into critical metrics such as energy usage, space utilisation, and financial expenditure. IWMS, BMS, and CAFM technologies enable NHS Trusts to gain a comprehensive and accurate view of their operations by breaking down data silos and fostering cross-departmental cooperation to make informed decisions based on actionable insights. Technology adoption represents a transformative opportunity for NHS Trusts. By leveraging and integrating systems such as IWMS, BMS, and CAFM, Trusts can optimise resource utilisation and implement targeted interventions to reduce their carbon footprint. To achieve these goals, NHS Trusts need to implement technology strategies. Through internal collaboration and consultation with experienced technology partners, they will see an increasing amount of the data they need for ERIC coming from systems rather than individuals – some of whom are still, in effect, putting their fingers in the air and making an educated guess. Beyond its operational and environmental benefits,
technology also has the power to drive cultural change within healthcare organisations. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, property technologies empower frontline staff to take ownership of sustainability initiatives and drive positive change within their respective departments. One of the key benefits of these integrated systems
is their ability to optimise resource utilisation and drive operational efficiency within healthcare estates. Advanced analytics and predictive modelling capabilities enable Trusts to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively and minimise waste. Optimising resource utilisation stands as a cornerstone objective in the deployment of technology within healthcare estates. NHS Trusts that leverage connected systems and advanced – increasingly AI-driven – data analytics gain unprecedented visibility into various aspects of their operations.
Granular data on space and energy usage Integrated systems such as BMS platforms provide Trusts with granular data on space and energy usage, allowing them to identify areas of improvement and implement targeted interventions. For instance, IWMS platforms can help Trusts identify underutilised spaces and optimise their allocation, ensuring that they make the most of valuable real estate assets. Through IWMS solutions, Trusts can identify opportunities for consolidation or repurposing. By optimising space usage, they can maximise the efficiency of their facilities, reduce operational costs, and improve the overall quality of service delivery to patients. Deploying connected systems that work makes the entire process of capturing the necessary data for ERIC
AdobeStock / Tierney
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132
