By: Thabang Byl - Buildings Segment Lead at Schneider Electric

There is no doubt that today’s healthcare organisations face unique challenges due to the essential and often critical nature of the services they provide. And whilst each country has its own, and often distinctive set of challenges, some are universal.

For one, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure remains a global challenge. As the world ages, so does its critical infrastructure. The healthcare industry is no different and faces aging facilities whilst ensuring it has enough - and evolved - space to accommodate growing patient needs. 

For healthcare, aging infrastructure can lead to inefficiencies, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety issues. And whilst there’s no quick fix; there are some tangible interventions that healthcare providers can implement to alleviate the above. 

Building Management Systems (BMS) address several facilities challenges, enabling hospitals and healthcare facilities to optimise processes and facilitate usage whilst saving on energy consumption and realising sustainable operations.

Energy usage managed and optimised

One of the primary roles of BMS is optimising energy use within healthcare facilities. Hospitals are energy-intensive environments, relying on complex systems for lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and medical equipment. 

Indeed, according to a study published in the journal Energies, healthcare facilities in the US consume about 10.3% of the total energy used in the commercial sector, averaging approximately 2.6 times more usage than that of other commercial buildings.

BMS enable hospitals can control these systems based on real-time demand, cost efficiency, and availability of renewable energy sources. It is energy management at its finest, it improves overall consumption, leading to significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

BMS also enable healthcare facilities to implement energy-saving strategies such as automated lighting control and intelligent HVAC systems that adjust temperature and airflow based on occupancy levels. 

Through real-time data collection and analytics, a BMS can identify inefficiencies in energy and water usage, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement. Also, by adding a microgrid, which offers decentralised energy generation and storage, into the mix BMS can optimise energy usage; intelligently switching between energy sources based on availability and cost.

Fault detection and preventive maintenance

BMS offers fantastic fault detection capability. The ability to identify and address system failures before they escalate is essential for maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations. 

For example, the early detection of issues such as HVAC malfunctions, electrical faults, or fire hazards ensures timely intervention, reducing downtime and preventing potential safety risks.

Also, and importantly, smoke and fire detection systems integrated into a BMS provide immediate alerts, enabling swift action to mitigate danger. Additionally, predictive maintenance powered by fault detection technology extends the lifespan of infrastructure and medical equipment.

Furthermore, BMS enhances the overall patient experience by offering features such as the maintenance of optimal indoor air quality, lighting, and temperature conditions.

Overcoming BMS adoption challenges 

In South Africa, whilst the benefits of BMS in healthcare are clear, we continue to face challenges in its widespread adoption. 

Public healthcare systems often face budget constraints, making large-scale BMS implementation difficult. Private healthcare providers may have fewer obstacles, but adoption still requires careful planning and investment.

To address these challenges, system providers must demonstrate how the long-term cost savings and operational benefits of BMS can benefit the healthcare industry. By emphasising return on investment, energy savings, and enhanced patient care, healthcare facilities can undoubtedly justify the initial investment in BMS technology.