Energy efficiency in the radiography department: An Irish perspective

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that individual radiology departments do not use energy efficiently. Such studies have commented that radiologists hold a ‘unique role’ in the promotion of ‘eco-friendly’ radiology departments. Improving energy efficiency can save both energy and money and can therefore be viewed as a means of tackling – albeit on a minor scale – both global economic and environmental issues. The current research aimed to present an Irish perspective of radiology energy efficiency and more specifically the radiography department – a department primarily staffed by radiographers. MethodOut-of-hours end-use energy surveys were undertaken in four Irish departments. Ancillary electrical equipment and lighting, if any, not powered off were recorded and the energy such equipment consumes in the out-of-hours setting annually was quantified. Additionally, all desktop and workstation displays – regardless of their power-state – were recorded for comparison both between studied departments and to previous research. ResultsA range of equipment including desktop and workstation displays, computers and CR plate readers are left on in closed departments. Lighting is not powered off in radiography departments, notably within X-ray suites and changing rooms. Estimated annual savings in individual radiography departments ranges from 6656 kWh to 27,542 kWh and €1095.58 – €4533.41 (£865.50 – £3581.39). ConclusionIrish radiography departments are energy inefficient and radiographers, as the primary staff in this area, have a role in the promotion of improved radiology energy efficiency. This study focused on radiography departments, but improvements are also likely to be achievable in the wider hospital.