While energy typically represents 1 to 3 percent of a facility’s operating budget, it can consume over 15 percent of profits in some cases. These rising costs can strain resources, limiting investments in staff, infrastructure and advanced medical technologies — ultimately impacting care quality.²

To stay resilient, continuum of care providers must adopt proactive energy management strategies that align operational needs with sustainability goals. Investing in energy-efficient technologies not only reduces costs but also enhances staff comfort and patient outcomes. In today’s continuum of care provider landscape, energy-conscious practices are key to delivering high-quality, future-ready care.

Key Energy Challenges in Continuum of Care Settings

Several factors contribute to the complexity of energy management in healthcare environments:³

• High Operational Demands
  Continuous energy use is driven by the need for precise temperature control, sterilization and specialized equipment such as surgical lighting and monitoring systems.
• Budget Limitations
  Upfront costs for energy-efficient upgrades can be prohibitive, especially for smaller facilities balancing tight budgets and immediate care priorities.
• Implementation Barriers
  Retrofitting systems without disrupting patient care requires careful planning and coordination, often delaying energy initiatives.
• Aging Infrastructure
  Many facilities operate in older buildings with outdated systems, increasing energy waste and complicating efficiency upgrades.
• Regulatory Pressures
  Compliance with safety and health standards often necessitates energy-intensive operations, making reductions more challenging.

Despite these hurdles, energy efficiency offers a path to lower operational costs, improved patient comfort and enhanced facility performance.

Energy Efficiency Strategies for Better Care and Cost Control

Improving energy efficiency in healthcare facilities goes far beyond reducing utility bills — it plays a vital role in creating healthier, more comfortable environments that support both patient recovery and staff performance. One of the most impactful changes is transitioning from traditional lighting to light emitting diode (LED) technology. LEDs not only consume significantly less energy but also reduce maintenance needs, making them a cost-effective upgrade for any facility.

Another critical area is climate control. High-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to maintain optimal indoor temperatures and air quality while using less energy. These systems contribute to a more comfortable environment for patients and staff alike, which can positively influence health outcomes and workplace satisfaction.

Smart building technologies also offer powerful tools for energy management. Advanced energy management systems can monitor and adjust energy use in real time, responding to occupancy levels and operational demands without compromising care. These intelligent systems help facilities optimize performance, reduce waste and maintain compliance with safety standards.

By integrating these strategies, continuum of care providers can strengthen their financial resilience, reduce their environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of care they deliver.⁴

Innovatix Can Help

At Innovatix, we empower our members with access to a robust portfolio of contracts from industry-leading suppliers focused on energy efficiency, facility operations and renovation services. Whether you’re looking to streamline your energy procurement process or enhance your facility’s performance, our contracted suppliers have solutions that are designed to deliver measurable value. Our contracted offerings also extend into performance-based energy management, including real-time online reverse energy auctions, energy acquisition and contractor services as well as tailored consulting programs that help facilities identify and implement cost-saving measures.

Our contract suppliers include: