National Hospital Energy Consumption survey report recommends ways to decarbonise India’s hospital sector

This report provides a look at the energy footprint of the Indian health sector. Its results are based on the detailed survey of 600+ public and private hospitals of 10 typologies across 18 States/UTs and all 5 climate zones of India that it covered

The National Hospital Energy Consumption Survey, conceptualised and conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India under the aegis of the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), with technical support from Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy and Centre for Chronic Disease Control, was launched on 24 August 2023 in New Delhi.

This report provides a look at the energy footprint of the Indian health sector. Its results are based on the detailed survey of 600+ public and private hospitals of 10 typologies across 18 States/UTs and all 5 climate zones of India that it covered.

These findings provide insights that can be leveraged by the NPCCHH to scale up its current efforts in strengthening public health care infrastructure, building climate resilience, enabling health care workforce and transitioning to renewable energy. Additionally, the findings on end-use interventions at all levels of healthcare provide a basis for further amplifying efforts in public and private hospitals. The key recommendations are as following:

• Track energy consumption in all healthcare facilities for managing energy cost and related emissions in hospitals
• Enhance energy efficiency in hospitals through Energy Service Companies (ESCOs)
• Mandate Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) norms for new construction and major renovation
• Mandate energy efficiency as an evaluation criterion in hospitals’ procurement policies for purchasing medical devices, appliances, and equipment
• Disclose and benchmark data for energy performance target setting
• Create an integrated approach to state-level energy transition (including energy efficiency and renewable energy) in hospitals
• Increase renewable energy deployment in public healthcare infrastructure through state government-led initiatives
• Ensure effective operations and maintenance of renewable energy systems
• Enhance awareness and build capacities of health sector actors for efficient and clean energy transition
• Leverage funding through global, national, and state-level funding mechanisms

Dr Aakash Shrivastava, Additional Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was present at the launch. He said, “This initiative includes a substantial sample size drawn from hospitals across the nation, providing us with a first of its kind or pioneering dataset. With a multitude of data points, representations from across 18 states/UTs and diverse climatic zones, we gain a comprehensive and representative understanding. The crucial question of India’s greenhouse gas contribution finds an answer through this study, marking a significant stride toward our commitment to sustainability. This report sheds light on where energy consumption is concentrated, an essential piece in our endeavour to optimise energy utilisation. With this report in hand, we look forward to witnessing its meaningful impact as we hope the nation embraces its findings for positive change.”

Also present at the event was Arijit Sengupta, Director, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) who talked about the Energy Data Management Unit (EDMU) set up in BEE, under the aegis of the Ministry of Power. The EDMU will carry on the functions of compiling and publishing credible data regarding the supply and consumption of energy across sectors.

Venugopal Mothkoor, Director of Development Economics, NITI Aayog also present at the report launch, said, “As demand for energy continues to rise, the need for insightful data becomes more critical than ever. The timing of this report is fitting as it arrives precisely when it is needed the most. NITI Aayog is also working on a State Support Mission that envisions states as economic engines, propelling us towards a greener, more prosperous future. By envisioning State Aayogs and planning commissions, we are charting a course towards more effective strategies across sectors. The insights from today’s report instil a sense of confidence as we work towards achieving our net-zero goals by 2070.”