The Issue

A 117-bed hospital with a Level IV trauma center was directed by the Board of Directors to make progress towards publicly stated sustainability goals and identify cost-effective efficiency measures. As this hospital was in a drought sensitive region, those measures targeting water efficiency were prioritized. Given the sensitive nature of the healthcare facility, maintaining or enhancing hygiene standards and patient comfort was critical.

The Burton Solution

Over the course of several days, Burton completed an investment grade water assessment across 181,000 square feet of the hospital as well as the extensive irrigation system. All areas of water use were evaluated for water reduction opportunities including autoclaves (sterilizers), reverse osmosis, steam condensate systems, plumbing fixtures, cooling towers, kitchen equipment, and irrigation.

Following the assessment, Burton’s was able to recommend numerous measures that would reduce operating expense by $34,000 annually and pay back in 3.1 years.