Teh global energy crisis,triggered by the war in Ukraine,has plunged hospitals and healthcare facilities into a desperate scramble for efficiency. These 24/7 powerhouses, with thier constant energy demands, have found themselves in the crosshairs of soaring energy costs.Enter the Counselors for Lasting Healthcare Transition and Ecology (CTEES). A burgeoning field just three years ago, they have exploded in numbers, reaching 151 today, supporting nearly 5,000 healthcare institutions committed to greener practices.
Funding for this critical effort totals around ten million euros annually, supporting 165 CTEES positions.While this initial success is encouraging, it falls significantly short of covering the immense need. A recent report by the General Inspection of Social Affairs (Igas) calls for a dramatic increase, advocating for 240 CTEES positions. meanwhile, the french Hospital Federation pushes for a dedicated contingent of 150 CTEES specialists in environmental health, supplementing the existing energy transition and ecological teams.
But who exactly are these CTEES? Given the energy crisis, their primary focus is guiding institutions toward significant energy savings. Audit reviews of hospital energy use have become a top priority for these specialists in the early stages. While the scope of each CTEES’s work varies, they frequently enough operate within a hospital network or group, leveraging resources and expertise.We meet Thibault Hillairet, a CTEES serving 19 institutions across the Littoral Atlantique 17 network. His portfolio includes five nursing homes, La Rochelle Hospital, and a hospital-run day care center. With background as an energy engineering specialist, Thomas Boursiac, based in Périgueux, assists ten institutions and the John-Bost Foundation.
Both report a warm welcome from healthcare facilities. Thomas explains, “These establishments value having an expert who can guide them through the complex world of regulations.” He describes himself as a valuable resource for technical directors who need help navigating the transition process with a structured approach.thibault echoes this sentiment, pointing out that needs vary based on size. They’ve both experienced a surge in demand,particularly during the first year,due to the urgent need to meet regulatory deadlines mandated by the ”Eco Energie Tertiaire” decree,aimed at reducing energy consumption in large tertiary buildings.
The resounding impact of their expertise is clear: awareness about energy consumption has skyrocketed. Anap’s 2023 survey reveals a dramatic decrease, from 80% of institutions unaccustomed to tracking their energy usage in 2022 to just 50% in early 2023. This increased knowledge is translating into action. Following assessments, CTEES offer tailored energy-reduction strategies, including renovation recommendations.
Once audits are complete, CTEES suggest practical solutions, ranging from minor tweaks to significant renovations, depending on building age.
Thibault Hillairet exemplifies this approach. He implemented a complete strategy for a pulmonology department,focusing on the electricity system.Addressing consumption directly, he installed smart meters to track usage. Pilot programs were launched to promote energy-saving practices, like switching off computers when not in use. Their efforts led to a remarkable 65% reduction in lighting costs.Nationally, the results speak for themselves: CTEES guidance consistently delivers a 13% reduction in energy consumption.
However, navigating the energy transition presents unique challenges. thomas Bysiac cites managing temperature control during extreme heat as a constant puzzle,ascend “between clients who are either too warm or too cold.” By engaging in open dialog with medical staff, he discovered what temperature range was comfortable for patients, allowing for system optimization.
With hospitals facing budgetary pressures,the financial justification for CTEES is crucial. Thibault emphasizes the rapid return on investment, stating, “Four months after my appointment, I had already recouped my salary for more than a year!”
Moving forward, the network of CTEES aims to reach all healthcare facilities currently without this vital support.In collaboration with other organizations like Ademe, Action des collectivités territoriales pour l’efficacité énergétique, and the Agence de mutualisation des universités et établissements d’enseignement supérieur, they strive to create a unified platform for all CTEES by 2025. This centralized resource will facilitate knowledge sharing,enhance training opportunities,and strengthen their collaborative approach to ensure a sustainable future for healthcare.
How can healthcare facilities effectively implement energy-efficient practices amid rising energy costs?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Energy Sustainability Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, dr. Elena Moreau. Thank you for joining us today too discuss teh urgent need for energy efficiency in healthcare amid the ongoing global energy crisis. With the complexities brought on by the war in Ukraine, can you elaborate on how these challenges are affecting healthcare facilities?
Dr. Elena Moreau: Thank you for having me. The war in Ukraine has indeed magnified the energy crisis we’re witnessing globally. Hospitals and healthcare facilities operate around the clock, making them particularly vulnerable to soaring energy costs. The rising electricity bills not only strain budgets but also divert valuable resources from patient care and essential services.
Time.news Editor: That’s a pressing concern. One of the responses to this crisis has been the establishment of the Counselors for Lasting Healthcare Transition and Ecology, or CTEES. Can you explain what these organizations do and their significance in this landscape?
Dr. Elena Moreau: Absolutely. CTEES were initiated to help healthcare institutions adopt greener practices and become more energy efficient. essentially, they serve as guides to analyze energy consumption, recommend savings strategies, and facilitate the transition to lasting energy sources. Their growth from just a handful to 151 CTEES in such a short span reflects the urgent demand for their expertise.
Time.news Editor: With nearly 5,000 healthcare institutions supported by these 151 CTEES, it’s clear there’s an immense need. Though, the funding appears to be inadequate, totaling around 10 million euros annually for just 165 positions.What do you think needs to be done to address this funding gap?
Dr. Elena Moreau: You’re right; while the growth of CTEES is a positive advancement, the funding does not meet the full demand. The recent report by the General Inspection of Social Affairs highlights the need for at least 240 CTEES positions. To bridge this gap, we need stronger advocacy from healthcare federations and government. Investing in these roles can yield important long-term savings for the system while enhancing patient care.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a multifaceted solution is required here. The French Hospital Federation’s push for a dedicated contingent of 150 CTEES specialists emphasizes environmental health.How do you see this role evolving as climate issues become increasingly critical in healthcare?
Dr. Elena Moreau: Definitely. As climate change increasingly impacts health outcomes—think of heatwaves affecting vulnerable populations—it’s essential that healthcare institutions are not just reactive but proactive. Specialists in environmental health can provide insights that shape policies and practices, ultimately aligning public health goals with ecological sustainability.
Time.news Editor: What specific strategies do you think healthcare institutions should implement immediately to begin this transition?
Dr. Elena Moreau: Institutions must carry out thorough energy audits to understand their consumption better. from there, simple changes like upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and machinery can make a significant difference. Additionally, embracing renewable energy sources—like solar panels—can provide long-term sustainability while insulating themselves from fluctuations in energy prices.
Time.news Editor: Those sound like actionable steps. In closing, what message would you want to convey to our readers, particularly those in the healthcare sector?
Dr.Elena Moreau: My message would be: the time to act is now. The energy crisis can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for transformation. By investing in sustainability today, healthcare facilities can improve their operational resilience, enhance patient care, and contribute to the broader fight against climate change. Collaborating with CTEES is a pivotal step in this journey.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that while challenges are significant, there is also great potential for positive change in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Elena Moreau: Thank you for having me!