Taipei Veterans General Hospital reduced its electricity consumption by over 5% in the first half of this year. This drop comes from new energy-saving measures compared to the same period in 2024. Hospital Superintendent Chen Wei-ming shared these results at a recent forum focused on sustainable development in healthcare.
Chen emphasized that Taiwan’s healthcare sector produces 4.6% of the country’s total carbon emissions. Therefore, he stressed that medical institutions must adopt stronger energy-saving measures to reduce their environmental impact.
One major challenge comes from the hospital’s Heavy Ion Therapy Center. This center, which uses particle beam technology to treat cancer, sees its power bills exceed NT$30 million (US$952,000) yearly due to heavy electricity use. The hospital’s total annual electricity expenses have surpassed NT$400 million.
To tackle this, the hospital adjusted air-conditioning settings to 16–20°C, depending on surgery needs. Furthermore, it implemented smart management systems and upgraded its equipment to reduce electricity consumption. Chen added that the hospital plans to keep improving the efficiency of medical devices. For example, MRI scans consume twice the electricity of CT scans and 33 times that of ultrasound exams.
Additionally, in July, the hospital introduced an AI-powered recycling machine. It accepts plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and batteries. Users can earn credits redeemable for discounts at hospital stores, promoting sustainability further.Moreover, the hospital launched a “Meatless Monday” program this year. This initiative could lower carbon emissions by as much as 140,000 kilograms annually.
Eugene Chien, chair of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, noted that 133 hospitals in Taiwan have joined a government sustainability effort. This program plans to invest nearly NT$48.9 billion over five years.
Its goal is to help hospitals adopt more energy-saving measures and other green practices. Taipei Veterans General Hospital’s success shows how energy-saving measures can reduce costs and carbon footprints in healthcare.
