Environmental health and safety concerns and energy conservation practices in academic institutions and hospitals.

Abstract

Although there are many energy conservation practices which are now being applied in hospitals and academic institutions, there well be additional pressures for even further reductions in such energy use in the near future. In many instances, these reductions in energy use can be done within existing standards and do not endanger the health of persons who reside within these institutions. However, this paper highlights the fact that over-eager attempts at energy reduction may result in adverse effects on patients, students, staff, research programs, or the general public. For this reason, it is important for persons making decisions regarding energy conservation practices to be aware of these potential adverse effects and design energy conservation programs accordingly.