Solar system launched at Murdoch

Tuesday 22 March 2011

An innovative environmental initiative at St John of God Hospital Murdoch will not only save money, but reduce the hospital’s carbon dioxide emissions by 230 tonnes per year.

Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the building to provide heating for the hospital’s hot water system. The panels are not visible at ground level from within or outside the hospital campus.

In the future, additional solar panels can be installed as the hospital grows to meet increased demand.

St John of God Hospital Murdoch Chief Executive Officer, Peter Mott, said the panels were just one way the hospital was looking to reduce its impact on the environment.

“Currently, the hospital uses approximately 40,000 litres of water per day for hot water purposes, which is heated by gas fired steam boilers. This new initiative will reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by 230 tonnes per year and result in savings of 13% (3.75TJ) in our annual gas consumption,” he said.

“We’ve taken a pro-active and responsible approach to the hospital’s environmental impact including audits on energy, water and lighting to identify potential savings and efficiencies.” 

“We have invested in other new and efficient technologies such as intelligent chiller controls and modernised air-conditioning systems, and in the last 12 months we have reduced energy consumption by 4.7% and water consumption by 14%,” Mr Mott said.

“We have a significant role to play in the community as a good corporate citizen, and this proactive approach to our impact on the environment is very much in keeping with the Mission and Values of St John of God.”

These initiatives are consistent with the St John of God Health Care Five Year Strategy, which requires good environmental stewardship by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

See the new solar panel array on the roof of St John of God Hospital Murdoch

IMAGE: Director Hospital Redevelopment Dean Lavers, Chief Engineer John Pereira, and Manager Environmental Sustainability inspect the panels.