Unlocking Campus-Wide Efficiency with Centralized Utility Data Management

Tip #35

Jeff Hogan, Vice President at Environ Energy

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Hospitals are uniquely positioned to lead in climate action, yet they’re also among the most energy-intensive building types. With the U.S. healthcare sector responsible for 8.5% of national emissions—and hospitals accounting for over a third of that —there is a growing imperative for health systems to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. One of the most impactful and underused tools for advancing campus-wide sustainability is centralized utility data management. Without a clear, consolidated view of energy, water, and emissions data across the entire campus, it’s nearly impossible to identify inefficiencies, track improvements, or align with sustainability goals.

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Campus-Wide Insights
In our experience, we’ve seen that many hospital campuses still manage utility data in fragmented systems—by building, department, or utility type. But true progress comes from seeing the full picture. A centralized approach integrates data from multiple meters, systems, and providers into a single platform, giving facilities teams the ability to benchmark usage, detect inefficiencies, and track emissions across the entire portfolio. This enables real-time decision-making and helps establish baselines that are critical for setting and achieving energy and emissions goals. Integration with tools like ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager can also streamline reporting and performance comparisons.

Additionally, centralized data systems allow hospitals to better detect and resolve underperforming or malfunctioning systems—such as HVAC units, chillers, or pumps—through trend and anomaly detection. This supports preventive maintenance strategies, extends equipment life, and reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns or emergency repairs.

Regulatory Readiness and Operational Resilience
Regulations around building performance and emissions reporting are becoming more widespread and stringent. States like California and cities like New York (Local Law 97) are requiring detailed, building-level emissions reporting with potential penalties for non-compliance. Centralized utility data systems help ensure hospitals maintain data accuracy and completeness for these requirements. Additionally, reliable, centralized data supports resiliency planning—by identifying underperforming systems, informing retrofit priorities, thereby addressing needed improvements. This ensures hospitals can continue to deliver uninterrupted care even during power disruptions or extreme weather events.

Importantly, centralized utility data also lays the groundwork for more comprehensive carbon accounting and climate reporting. While most sustainability teams are focused on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, having a reliable system in place is a key first step toward understanding Scope 3 emissions, including those related to waste, procurement, and even employee commuting. As more states and federal agencies adopt climate disclosure rules, this capability will become increasingly important.

Cost Savings and Long-Term Investment
Centralizing utility data isn’t just a compliance or sustainability measure—it’s also a smart financial strategy. Hospitals that track and manage their utility usage centrally are better positioned to take advantage of energy rebates, performance-based incentive programs, capital planning for system upgrades, and to meet growing stakeholder and patient expectations around sustainability. Proactive data management allows for early detection of inefficiencies, extending the life of critical equipment, and avoiding costly emergencies. The result is lower utility bills today, and a stronger foundation for investment in future infrastructure and energy resilience.

Shared Goals and Smarter Operations
When hospitals bring their utility data together in one place, the benefits extend well beyond efficiency. Centralized systems help align engineering, sustainability, and operations teams around common goals and metrics—enabling better communication, more strategic planning, and ultimately, stronger performance. For hospitals striving to deliver excellent patient care while meeting climate and cost expectations, centralized utility data management is not just a best practice—it’s a critical step toward a more sustainable future.

Enrivon Energy has been working with hospitals and healthcare systems for decades. We help facility operators and financial decision makers safely transition to a low-carbon future, save money and meet efficiency and sustainability goals. Reach out today to learn more and schedule an initial consultation.

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1. Emissions Disclosures and Energy Use Reporting by Hospitals in the United States - PMC
2. California Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting and Climate Related Financial Risk Disclosure Programs
3. LL97 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction

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