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CT scanners secretly waste more energy than used by a typical household – but there’s a fix

A study reveals that switching off unused CT scanners can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in hospitals.
CT scanners secretly waste more energy than used by a typical household – but there’s a fix
A What happened
A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences highlights the potential for significant energy savings in hospitals by switching off unused CT scanners. Conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne, the study focused on a large public hospital where one CT scanner was primarily used during daytime hours but left running continuously for emergencies. By turning off this surplus scanner during non-peak times, researchers achieved a 32% reduction in energy consumption, saving 140 kWh in just one week. This approach not only reduced energy costs but also had no negative impact on the workflow of radiographers. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance sustainability in healthcare, which contributes approximately 2 gigatonnes of carbon emissions annually. The success of this project has encouraged other hospitals to adopt similar practices, demonstrating that healthcare can move towards net-zero emissions while maintaining high-quality patient care.

Key insights

  • 1

    Energy Reduction

    Switching off unused CT scanners can lead to significant energy savings.

  • 2

    Sustainable Healthcare

    The initiative is part of a broader program aimed at reducing healthcare's carbon footprint.

  • 3

    No Workflow Impact

    Radiographers reported no negative effects on their workflow from the changes.

Takeaways

The study demonstrates that hospitals can implement energy-saving measures without compromising patient care.