Switching off non-essential computers after working hours in a Belgian intensive care : a single-center prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Intensive care units are major consumers of electricity. Reducing their waste is essential to limit costs and mitigate environmental impact. A rapidly achievable action is to reduce the power consumption of non-essential (NE) computers in intensive care units (ICUs) by switching off devices instead of keeping them on standby.

Methodology: This prospective single-centered study (12/2022 to 04/2023) made an inventory of all computers available in ICUs, identified those that could be switched off outside working hours, and raised staff awareness. The average power of computers on standby was calculated, and the potential energy savings as well as greenhouse gas emission reductions were estimated.

Results: 184 computers and screens were listed, 50% of which were found to be NE. Post-awareness assessments showed that 60% of computers were switched off. Energy savings should amount to 11.1 MW.h, which is equivalent to the average annual consumption of 5 Belgian households, and the emission of 2.6 teq of CO2 could be avoided for a Belgian electricity mix.

Conclusion: This simple sobriety measure seems to be easy to implement in the ICU and can be extended to the whole hospital to increase its effectiveness.