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HOSPITALS & HEALTHCARE


How HVO can support urban hospitals in carbon reduction goals


Graham Barker, sales & service director at Riello Burners UK examines how using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative fuel, could support a drive towards cleaner, greener healthcare facilities. When comparing HVO with fossil diesel, HVO produces up to 90% less CO2


T


he journey towards sustainable healthcare facilities presents unique challenges. Hospitals are energy-intensive operations


with complex systems that demand constant heating, power, and backup capabilities to ensure uninterrupted patient care. Hospitals rank as the third most energy-intensive


type of commercial building, following food service and food sales establishments. On average, they consume 193,300 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy per square foot. To secure reliable heat, dual-fuel burners are


commonly specified, allowing operation on two distinct fuel sources, ensuring a backup in case of primary fuel failure. Currently, natural gas is the primary fuel source for most hospitals, with fossil fuel-based heating oil as the secondary or backup fuel. In cities like Manchester, where the local government has committed to halving carbon emissions by 2025 as part of its ambitious zero-carbon strategy, hospitals are under increasing pressure to adopt greener, more efficient technologies. A key part of this transition lies in the energy


sources powering these essential systems. Renewable fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) offer a viable solution to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the operational reliability that healthcare facilities demand. This is because when comparing emissions statistics, HVO produces 195kg of CO2 per 1,000 litres whereas traditional diesel produces the higher amount of 3.6 tonnes of CO2 per 1,000 litres. Remarkably, with the right renewable fuel, such as


HVO, the backup fuel can even replace the primary source. Notably, HVO is included in the latest SAP calculators as a renewable fuel source. Scenario: managing a carbon reduction strategy for


a large healthcare facility Should a large healthcare facility decide to evaluate


ways to align with the city’s carbon reduction targets, it would need to look at its fleet of boilers and backup generators still reliant on traditional fossil fuels. The biggest hurdle is for the hospital’s management team to recognise the need for a sustainable shift. The challenge then lies in reducing emissions without compromising the hospital’s heating and power reliability – critical for everything from heating wards to running vital medical equipment.


The challenge


Hospitals use a lot of energy, for heating, hot water, and emergency backup power, with the average


required it allows the hospital to quickly transition to greener fuel without major infrastructure changes.


The results Graham Barker, sales & service director at Riello


daily electricity consumption varying based on the size of the hospital. Small hospitals use around 5,000–15,000 kWh per day, medium-sized hospitals use 15,000–30,000 kWh per day, and large hospitals use 30,000–50,000+ kWh per day. If, historically, the boilers and emergency generators have been powered by diesel or natural gas, it will be contributing to the hospital’s carbon footprint. As although natural gas emissions are 17.5% lower than diesel, HVO offers up to a 90% reduction in CO2. The need for a rapid transition to a cleaner energy


source will quickly become evident, but the hospital’s management team will understandably want to avoid costly overhauls of its existing infrastructure.


HVO as an alternative fuel


HVO is derived from waste fats and used cooking oils and is certified as a sustainable fuel under the International Sustainability Carbon Certificate scheme (ISCC). Crucially, with the ‘right’ burner choice, HVO can


operate as a drop-in replacement fuel. If HVO is replacing a Class D heating oil such as 35sec Gas Oil (“diesel”) no major modifications are required on the burner. Riello do advise that the burner’s flexible oil hoses, along with all oil supply line ancillary equipment such as oil filters or isolation valves, are checked for compatibility and upgraded as required. Burner operation and combustion must also be checked and verified following any fuel change. However, as only minimal upgrading of the burner is


The benefits of switching to renewable fuels such as HVO ¡ Significant holistic CO2 reduction: In England, the NHS accounts for 4% of the country’s emissions greenhouse gas emissions. With HVO, the hospital can reduce its carbon emissions by up to 90%, helping it align with Manchester’s city-wide goal of halving emissions by 2025. ¡ Lower NOx emissions: HVO can cut CO2 emissions by up to 90%, making a significant impact on one of the leading contributors to climate change. Additionally, it reduces NOx emissions by up to 27% and PM (Particulate Matter) emissions by up to 84%. These reductions position HVO as a valuable tool in improving air quality and supporting environmental protection efforts. ¡ Seamless transition: Using HVO as a drop-in replacement fuel. The hospital can switch to a lower carbon and lower Nox energy source quickly, without affecting day-to-day operations. ¡ Future-proofing energy strategy: By investing in adaptable burner technology, that can work with alternative fuel sources like HVO, the hospital not only meets today’s carbon reduction targets but has the potential to meet future targets.


Compatibility and practical steps


Switching to Riello burners powered by HVO offers a practical, cost-effective solution for hospitals. It enables immediate carbon reductions while ensuring the reliability and efficiency required for patient care. Hospitals can achieve substantial environmental benefits without compromising operational integrity. The road ahead: healthcare leading the way in sustainability As cities like Manchester and others across the UK work towards ambitious carbon reduction goals, hospitals can lead by example. By adopting trusted technologies like Riello burners and renewable fuels like HVO, healthcare facilities can make meaningful strides toward a greener, healthier future—for both the environment and the communities they serve. By investing in sustainable energy solutions today, hospitals can pave the way for cleaner healthcare operations while protecting the planet for future generations.


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