Ryan DeSantis
Regional Sales Director
Freedom Energy
Published: November 2, 2023
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities have been confronted with a host of ongoing challenges. Even before the pandemic, integrated delivery networks (IDNs) and community-based facilities faced an uphill battle to maintain compliance, ensure safety, and deliver high-quality care to their patients. In the post-pandemic era, these challenges have only intensified, making it imperative for healthcare systems to stay proactive and compliant year-round. One crucial aspect of this compliance puzzle that often goes overlooked is energy management, an area where Freedom Energy Logistics is here to help. In this article, we’ll explore five key energy management challenges faced by healthcare systems across the country and how Freedom Energy Logistics can provide guidance and expertise to navigate them.
1. Commodity Purchasing:
One of the significant challenges healthcare facilities face is purchasing energy commodities like electricity and natural gas. In deregulated markets, facilities have the option to choose their suppliers, which can lead to an overwhelming number of solicitations promising cost savings. While savings are undoubtedly appealing, energy procurement is far from simple. As energy markets become increasingly complex, Freedom Energy Logistics offers a solution that goes beyond just presenting competitive prices. We provide transparency and a deep understanding of the energy products you’re purchasing. Our procurement process involves all stakeholders within a health system, ensuring a seamless experience. We also help manage commodity market volatility and offer procurement options for on/off-site generation, energy storage projects, and renewable energy.
2. Data Collecting Process:
The adage, “The proof is in the pudding,” holds true when it comes to making energy-related decisions. Data analysis is the foundation of any energy master plan, whether you’re procuring power, natural gas, or planning efficiency projects. However, combing through vast datasets can be time-consuming and divert facility managers from their daily responsibilities. Freedom Energy Logistics takes this burden off your shoulders by utilizing comprehensive data sets to optimize your energy costs. We understand that analyzing system-wide data is crucial for informed decision-making and ensure this step is not skipped.
3. Infrastructure and Equipment:
Many facilities have aging infrastructure and equipment that they rely on to provide a safe and healthy healthcare environment. When a system explores how to make a campus more efficient the following key factors come to mind, current performance, reliability, cost, impact on day to day to tasks, and patient care. These factors are what delay a project from moving forward or in some cases just stay dormant for years.
4. Sustainability Planning:
The healthcare industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate its impact on public health. Sustainability planning is not a one-size-fits-all solution but requires careful planning, prioritization, and collaboration. Healthcare facilities play a crucial role in achieving these goals and creating a better future for their communities. Freedom Energy Logistics can guide you through the process of sustainability planning, helping you align your facility’s goals with broader environmental and community objectives.
5. Financing:
After developing an energy management plan, securing buy-in from finance departments can be challenging. Allocating funds for energy initiatives may seem daunting, but Freedom Energy Logistics offers proven methods to demonstrate to the C-suite that the plan is designed to prioritize projects, optimize facilities, and lower expenditures. We make the process less stressful and more convincing for decision-makers.
Enhancing these five key areas of energy management in healthcare facilities requires time and resources that are often in short supply. While many facilities engage in discussions to address these challenges, resolutions may be elusive. Freedom Energy Logistics offers guidance and expertise to help healthcare facilities implement robust plans that enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, capture savings, and reinvest those dollars in their facilities and communities. As the country strives for a carbon-free future, it’s crucial for the healthcare sector to lead the way. Reach out to Freedom Energy Logistics to discuss how we can enhance and transition your energy management needs towards a low-carbon future. Just as healthcare providers prioritize the well-being of their patients, we prioritize lowering costs and improving the overall health of your community through energy management.
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