35 Pages
8763 Words
1. Introduction :Optimising Energy Consumption in Healthcare: NHS Initiatives Case Study
1.1 Background :Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in the NHS
Energy management is defined as the set of actions that are used to optimise energy consumption and reduce costs without affecting consumers. It includes effective planning for energy consumption and production so that overall work can be improved. For this compliance with the energy management system is followed. This type of system is designed to help companies improve their energy efficiency and try to work with more proficiency (MacNeill, McGain and Sherman, 2021). The current study is based on the NHS or the National Health Service, which is a healthcare organisation in England and is publicly funded. The company was founded in 1948 and was headquartered in England and provides better healthcare services to the people living there. During the running of the NHS, energy is consumed as many different types of departments undertake the use of the energy. Thus, for this, it is necessary for the company they consume energy in such a manner that it is optimally used and effectively implemented so that development of the company takes place. When the energy within NHS is optimally used then it will be assistive in conserving the energy so that it can be sustainably used and can be secured for the future generation as well. The present study aims at enhancing the involvement of NHS in the energy conservation project among the employees so that the overall working can be improved.
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1.2 Aim and Objectives
Research Aim
The project aims to enhance participation in energy conservation among NHS employees and service users by simplifying the energy data and making it accessible to all stakeholders.
Research Objectives
- To conduct a comprehensive data analysis, which will entail the cleaning and validation of the existing energy data collected within the NHS across the different hospital sections to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the dataset
- To conduct a descriptive statistical analysis that identifies trends, patterns, and outliers in the energy usage of the NHS
- To develop interactive and visually appealing data information to illustrate energy consumption trends to individuals who have little or no knowledge of data.
- To identify the specific areas within the NHS where cost-saving measures can be implemented based on the analysis of the energy data generated.
1.3 Scope
The scope of the current project is vast and as a result, the overall company will benefit. The use of energy is the most important requirement of the current times and this needs to be made appropriately so that the work can be managed well. The current study will include the analysis of the energy data of NHS and how they are utilising the consumption of energy so that the overall work can be managed well. All the latest information and figures will be used so that the study can be managed and maintained well. On the other side, the excluded fact is that articles published before 2020 will not be used in the current study. It is the reason that the too-old pieces of information are used then it will not provide better results and ultimately creates issues within the study. Also, the limitation of the project is that it is based on only NHS and all the findings will be generalised to another healthcare setting as well which is not good.
1.4 Project Research Approach
The approach used for the current project includes the use of the combination approach, which includes both qualitative and quantitative. This is because of the reason that the current research topic is qualitative. Hence, it is essential for the company they try to manage the work according to the qualitative aspects as well. Also, it includes the analysis of the data relating to energy consumption and the patterns which NHS follows so that the work can be managed well. When the data is evaluated with the help of different quantitative methods the analysis will take place and ultimately the overall aim is attained well.
2. BUSINESS PROBLEM
2.1 Problem Statement
In the highly technologically advanced world, the use of energy needs to be maintained well. In case the energy is not consumed appropriately then it can affect the way of working and the overall efficiency can be affected negatively. Thus, it is mandatory for companies they efficiently plan the usage of energy such that the work can be improved and also can be done sustainably (Khatoon, 2020). There are many different types of technology which are used in the operations and also the different types of activities of NHS. Thus, NHS must use the energy well so that it can be used for longer. Thus, this will assist NHS in defining the problem well such that all work is appropriately managed. In case the problem is not analysed well then it can create issues relating to the working and operational efficiency is affected negatively. Thus, the current study will analyse the problem of managing energy usage and conservation so that energy can be optimally used.
2.2 Impact
Within the healthcare industry, there are many different types of technologies which are prevailing and hospitals and care homes must use these technologies to operate well. All this technology undertakes the use of energy and this needs to be used optimally such that the overall work is accomplished and the objectives are also accomplished. Thus, the current research topic analyses the impact that how the energy can be optimally used and how well it can be conserved for future use as well (Rathor and Saxena, 2020). It is due to the reason that when the energy is saved for future consumption then it will assist the business in operating well. Moreover, another impact which the current study will have is that it will foster the working capacity of the company. Thus it will help the company in managing and maintaining the work properly and effectively. However, when the energy is consumed in a planned manner then the resources will be saved and
2.3 Goals
The goal of the study is to analyse how effectively the energy can be managed so that the working can be improved and the limited resources can be optimally used. It is due to the reason that when there is clarity then it will be assistive to the company in managing the work well so that the energy usage can be planned in a better manner. When the energy usage and consumption are planned well then it will increase the working efficiency accurately.
3. BACKGROUND RESEARCH
3.1 Situational Analysis
ESTLE analysis
Elements
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Description
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olitical
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The current political condition in the UK is stable and also there are many different types of subsidies provided to the healthcare sector. Thus, it is helpful to the NHS in growing and implementing new and modern medical techniques and they will get the benefits and different subsidies.
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Economic
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In the current working environment, the interest rates are reducing and as a result, the company can borrow more money from the banks and can invest in medical equipment and other technology.
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Social
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Currently, people have become more health conscious and in case they face any health-related issues they immediately go to the healthcare settings and ultimately it fosters the working of the healthcare setting. Thus, the changes in consumer preference and shift towards using medical services frequently and this is an opportunity for the NHS.
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Technological
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Also, in this technologically upgrading world, many different techniques are coming into the world that need to be used well. In case it will not be used appropriately then the work will become obsolete. Hence, NHS complies with adapting to all the new and advanced technology so that they can cater to the increasing demand of the consumers.
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Legal
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Within healthcare, effective compliance with the laws and legislation is very essential. In case it will not be used then it will be impacting the working to a great extent. NHS complies with all the rules and legislations and this makes the working more effective.
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Environmental
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The NHS is accomplishing all the tasks while keeping in mind environmental protection. It is due to the reason that when effective types of strategies and methods are used then the environment is protected and it is very necessary for sustainable working.
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SWOT analysis
Strength
The key strength of the NHS is that it has improved patient care which attracts more patients to come and avail services.
The investment of NHS for the technology is high which ensures that the care unit is using all the latest methods and equipment.
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Weakness
The most common weakness is that end-users display resistance to adopting new techniques and this can create issues in adopting the latest techniques.
Another weakness is that the integration of the multiple system within the hospital is not present and it results in taking a lot of time to gather the information of the different patients.
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Opportunity
The opportunity for the company is to avail the different grants and funding from the government so that adopting the latest methods and techniques can be improved.
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Threat
The most common threat faced is the frequent changes in the techniques as it might be possible that the technology adapted can become obsolete very frequently and as a result company has to modify the technique again.
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3.2 Key findings from previous research
Concept of energy management and its significance in the healthcare industry
In the views of Leitao et al, (2020) energy management is defined as the concept which includes the application of the different actions that the person or the company initiates to optimally use the limited energy. For the successful working of the company, compliance with effective energy management must be done. In case the energy is not consumed well then it will cause issues in working. Thus, resultantly, the overall working is impacted and ultimately the operational efficiency will be impacted. In support of this Hensher and McGain, (2020) state that within the healthcare industry, energy needs to be optimally used. It is due to the reason that when the energy will not be consumed well then it will be affecting the successful working of the business. It is due to the reason that when the effective energy will be used optimally then it will be fostering the working efficiency to a great extent.
On the other side, urohit, Smith and Hibble, (2021) argued that in case the energy will not be consumers well then it will impact the operational efficiency of the healthcare companies. Thus, to enhance the work it is mandatory that the overall work is planned by the energy consumption or the level of energy required to operate successfully. When energy such as electricity, gas, water and another kind of energy is not used optimally then it will impact the overall work to a great extent. Thereafter, Chen et al, (2020) stated that the optimum utilisation of energy is very necessary within the healthcare industry. It is due to the reason that when the effective consumption of the energy will not be made then it will be affecting the overall working to a great extent. Thus, it is crucial for businesses to effectively manage the use of energy and use it wisely.
For example, the NHS’s energy management project is assistive in effective sustainable development. This is because of the reason that NHS is working in partnership with the Department of Health (DH) to secure 69 NHS national pilot companies. Thus, this project includes the overall development of healthcare in managing the energy well so that the overall development can take place.
Analysing the trends and patterns for energy usage and consumption
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With the analysis of the work of Jain et al, (2020) it is clear that effective energy consumption is very necessary. In case the energy is consumed well then it will improve the overall efficiency and ultimately the patients will be provided with a better facility. With the external research, it was analysed that within the UK the total energy benchmark for the hospitals was 550 kWh/m2. Also, it was analysed that the major hospitals in Scotland had better energy consumption having the mean value of 1.68 GJ/m2. Thus, with this, it can be stated that when the effective type of energy is used then the operational efficiency is improved. In case the energy will not be consumed well then it will be impacting the overall efficiency to a great extent. Thereafter, the study also outlined that there is approximately £635 million in public sector decarbonisation and for this, there is a high requirement for efficient energy consumption.
In support of this Klemeš et al, (2020) states that the latest trends emphasise the use of low-carbon heating products. This includes using LED lights and heat pumps which focus on low carbon emission. It is very necessary as when the healthcare companies will be focusing on the effective low carbon emission then it will be improving the overall working and efficiency of the company. Thus, the low carbon emissions will protect the external environment and the surroundings and will be improving and protecting the environment well. In support of this Chen, Lin and Wu, (2020) stated that when the carbon emission is low then it will improve the air quality. It is due to the reason that the pollutant due to carbon emission will not be released into the environment then it will not be consumed and ultimately the overall working will be improved.
Thereafter, Nundy et al, (2021) contended based on ESTLE analysis that the use of LED lighting can also create a more comfortable environment which will be pleasing to the patients there. Thus, NHS must focus on implementing the latest trends prevailing in the environment so that In case it is not effective and efficient then it will affect the overall working of the healthcare unit. Thus, healthcare companies like NHS, need to emphasize creating a better environment. In case the lighting is not effective and appropriate then it will impact the working greatly. Also, Greenhalgh et al, (2020) stated that the lighting in the environment will be of poor quality then which will affect the eyes of the patients admitted there. Thus, here the trend of complying with LED lights and other substitutes will be beneficial for the successful management of the work in the hospitals. It is due to the reason that when effective lighting is used then automatically the overall efficiency will be improved and ultimately the energy can be saved. Other than that, Morciano et al, (2021) contemplated that LED as well there are many different types of methods of using energy-efficient lighting which will promote a better environment and will be assistive to the hospitals to manage and maintain energy energy-efficient environments for the patients out there.
Benefits and drawbacks of complying with energy management
In the views of Gong et al, (2020) complying with energy conservation and management is very necessary. It is due to the reason that when the energy is preserved and is optimally used then it will be beneficial for the companies in managing the work well. When the energy is used optimally then it hampers the efficiency of organisation in a great manner. Thus, the most common benefit of complying with energy management for the healthcare industries is that it assists in saving resources and ultimately the overall performance. It is due to the reason that when the unused energy is protected and secured then it will assist in cost saving. Ultimately it will improve the overall development of the hospitals and other healthcare organizations.
Against this Wang et al, (2021) stated that when too much compliance with energy efficiency will be focused then the other cost will increase. It is due to the reason that when more energy-efficient methods and tactics are used then more maintenance cost is included. Thus, it can aggregately increase the overall cost for the company. Moreover, Li et al, (2021) stated that for effective energy options to be searched then the hospitals also have to increase the cost of research and development. Thus, as a result of this, the overall cost is increased and it can create an impact on the profitability and management of the hospitals and other healthcare placements.
On a contradictory note, Schuetz et al, (2021) contemplated that effective energy management complies then it results in a reduction in carbon emissions. This is good for the external environment as carbon emissions are bad for the environment. Thus, it is mandatory for hospitals and other healthcare settings in overall protect the environment overall. When the energy is consumed less than automatically the carbon emission will be low and as a result of this, the overall efficiency will be improved. Also, Sarkodie and Owusu, (2021) supported that when the different energy like electricity, water, air and others are managed naturally then it will assist the hospital in using that money for some other activity. Thus, as a result of this, the overall efficiency will be improved and ultimately the competency of the hospital will improve.
In contrast to this, MacNeill et al, (2020) stated that when too much focus is done on energy efficiency and conservation then it can result in operational disruption. It is due to the reason that with the focus on optimum energy usage, the hospital and healthcare setting will try to reduce the energy usage below the minimum level. This can further result in the management of the hospital to cut the energy consumption where needed. Thus, it can also cause inconvenience to the patients and other employees as well. Hepburn et al, (2021) also contended that when too much focus is done energy saving then it can create issues relating to the working and operational efficiency of the hospital. The employees might feel demotivated as the management always focuses on energy efficiency and not the employees. Along with this, Gregson et al, (2022) stated that when the morale of the employees is low then the overall operational efficiency will also be low. Thus, as a result of this too much focus on energy saving can be an issue for the management of the company appropriately.
However, Tan et al, (2021) also stated that compliance with energy-efficient resources and methods will provide a better base for the hospitals and as a result, a more comfortable environment will be created. It is due to the reason that when effective energy is saved then it will motivate the employees to work with more efficiency and ultimately it will enhance the overall objectives of the hospitals. Thus, Field and Derwent, (2021) stated that it is necessary for these organisations to effectively take care of energy saving. In case it will not be managed well then the overall efficiency will be impacted and might be possible that the working is also hampered.
In the end, it is concluded that saving and protecting energy in the current competitive environment is very necessary. It is due to the reason that when the energy is saved then it will be used in future and ultimately it will improve the overall efficiency of the business. In the context of the healthcare industry, energy saving and conservation is very necessary. It is due to the reason that the machines and other equipment consume too much energy and as a result the working can be impacted and environment can be hampered. Thus, the above chapter stated that using energy-efficient solutions like LED lighting, focusing on natural ventilation and other aspects are helpful for the companies in managing the working better. Also, it was analysed that the major benefit of using energy-efficient methods includes an increase in efficiency, protection of the environment and others. However, the drawbacks were also highlighted like the increase in cost, reduction in employee morale and many others.
4. AROACHES AND PROCESS (DESK-BASED RESEARCH)
4.1 Project Approach
The Desk based approach has been adopted in the current research to address the potential issue related to consumption of power or energy sources. Desk based approach refers to method based on the data exploration from secondary sources (Bassot, 2022). This approach is termed as documentary research. Data has been collected from previous research or existing documents to gain useful analytics about specific topic. To address the power related issues, data has been collected from secondary methods, provides detailed information to elaborate the valuable information. This desk based project approach includes online platforms, blogs, web searches, physical books and industrial reports. This approach offers reliable and accurate information, helped in gaining conclusive outcomes (Sibeoni et al, 2020). It provides wider understanding about the power consumption issues at NHS, related to that, data has been collected from scholar articles, business reports, magazines, newspaper and many other secondary sources.
4.2 Analysis techniques and approaches
The desk based approach analysis data from multiple secondary sources by way of annual business reports, published materials, and websites to evaluate information about the issue of power consumption at different organisations (Vears and Gillam, 2022). This provides a systematic and brief analysis about the energy consumption, helped in the strategic evaluation and results in effective outcomes. Technique of competitor analysis and data evaluation has been implemented to analyse the collected data, results in effective outcome. In addition, the inductive approach has been adopted in the current study, focuses on the systematic analysing of the data, based in the current patterns and trends (Taherdoost, 2021). The inductive research approach initiates with the particular observations, result in creation of new theories and patterns.
4.3 Work plan
This work plan will aim to improve the energy consumption within NHS. To accomplish this, the first step is related to define objectives, which is related to the improvement in the power consumption of the NHS. Second step is based on the analysing of information about the current issues within the context of energy consumption and related to the collection of data of other competitor organisations (Bassot, 2022). Third step focuses on the evaluation of the collected data from pre-defined objectives, results in identification of potential weakness. Fourth step is related to data collection, in the current research, the desk based approach has been implemented to analyse and collect data from secondary sources (Sibeoni et al, 2020). Fifth step emphasises on the implementation of plan based on the steps to overcome the key issue of power and emphasises on improvement in the situation of NHS in future.
Activities
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Finalising the research topic of energy usage and conservation in NHS
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Formulation of the related aim and objectives
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Evaluation of the existing literature relating to research topic
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Deciding the methods to be followed for study
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Collecting the necessary data
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Evaluating the required data
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Summarising the findings and recommending for improvement
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Waiting for feedback
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Doing modifications as per feedback
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Final submission
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4.4 Ethical concerns
The current research involves collection of information from multiple sources, requires the ethical consideration of maintaining trust, reliability and validity of the collected data (Vears and Gillam, 2022). The secondary data has been collected from trusted and reliable sources published by the research scholars and authentic websites; furthermore, the information has been collected from official annual reports and websites which are fully accessible.
5. FINDINGS
5.1 Introduction
The current study aims at managing the participation of NHS in energy conservation. Currently, the usage of energy is increasing and it is mandatory for the company they try to manage consumption well. In case the usage of energy is not effective then it will impact the overall working of the NHS and because of this, the current evaluation of the data of the NHS will be implemented. In case the analysis of the data will be providing a better solution then it will be improving the overall working and as a result of this, the energy will be saved and conserved by the company to a great extent.
5.2 Analysis
For the effective analysis of the current research topic, the existing data must be analysed and evaluated in a better manner. This is because of the reason that when the effective type of energy is not consumed well then it will impact the overall success of the NHS. Thus, for this, the existing data is evaluated and analysed such that the overall work is improved.
Total energy usage of different energy elements
all sites
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Neath and ort Talbot
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electricity
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2,65,99,658.67
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46,40,912.73
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gas
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5,78,86,078.69
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63,80,266.07
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oil
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9,01,348.77
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-
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water m3
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2,67,625.03
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31,418.67
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water sewerage
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2,24,296.70
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29,845.33
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With the analysis of the data from the Excel sheet, it is clear that the consumption of energy is different in comparison to all sites, particularly with Neath and ort Talbot. This is because the reason that use of energy is different in every site and it depends on the external environment as well. Moreover, with the analysis, it was examined that gas is the energy which is highly consumed in comparison to other energy types. Also, with the evaluation it was analysed that the oil and water are the two energy mediums which are less consumed in the working of NHS along every site. Within the majority of the techniques, it is necessary that the gas is used and without the use of gas it might be possible that the machines may not operate. Thus, for this, compliance with the effective type of energy needs to be made such that the overall working can be improved. Also, the energy sources are very limited and for this, the effective evaluation of the energy must take place so that the overall working is improved.
Solar farm generation
Month
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Solar Utilisation by Morrison
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Net Cost (£)
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Apr-22
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4,28,740.00
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£69,877.06
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May-22
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4,48,770.00
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£69,749.45
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Jun-22
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4,64,880.00
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£75,575.06
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Jul-22
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5,11,770.00
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£96,097.83
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Aug-22
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4,96,480.00
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£90,363.07
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Sep-22
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3,29,720.00
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£55,334.70
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Oct-22
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2,60,460.00
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£86,112.81
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Nov-22
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1,24,990.00
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£40,302.46
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Dec-22
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90,390.00
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£28,944.23
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Jan-23
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1,28,120.00
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£41,875.21
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Feb-23
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1,99,850.00
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£65,324.33
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Mar-23
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2,19,700.00
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£69,793.37
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Further, with the secondary study, it was analysed that the usage of solar energy is currently increasing and for this, it must be implemented in the company. When it will not be included in the working of the healthcare sector then the energy consumption will increase. In the healthcare sector, compliance with energy usage is more and for this, the effective type of energy usage must be planned so that work can be managed well. For this, NHS complies with the solar energy. This is a type of energy which is developed with the help of the sun which is converted into thermal energy and electrical energy. This solar energy is the cleanest and it can be used to generate energy. This is present in abundance and as a result of this good amount of renewable energy can be developed. Thus, it is necessary for the company they effectively try to implement and generate energy by using the sun.
With the help of the above chart, it is clear that the solar utilisation by the Morristion site is effectively made. This is because of the reason that solar energy can be used well and also the cost is less in comparison to the returns which are gained. Thus, for NHS the consumption of solar energy has increased and resultantly, the overall working is improved and NHS also generates energy which can be further used. It is due to the reason that when the energy is created by using the solar panels then it is stored and is used in future. Thus, resultantly, the working is enhanced and ultimately the working is improved.
Morriston
By referring to the case of Morriston, it is clear that the electricity consumption was good in comparison to the refit target. In September, October and November NHS was not able to meet the targets and as a result, the overall efficiency was impacted. Before this NHS was using electricity effectively and all the targets were met. similarly, in case of the gas consumption, the organization was not able to meet the target in September and October. Whereas, with the chart outlining the gas monthly consumption vs the predicted target, it was analysed that the predicted target was more and as a result of this the performance was not too good for NHS.
Singleton
With the analysis of the data relating to Singleton, it is evident the energy consumption was not good. this was because of the reason that the company was not in a position to effectively meet the target. This was evident as out of 8 months of data, the NHS was not able to meet the target in 6 months. This simply implies that the company was ineffective in managing the work and ultimately the usage of energy was affected to a great extent. Furthermore in the case of gas energy, as well the organisation was not able to meet the target in 5 months out of 8 in total. Also, the business was not able to meet the predicted target in most of the months and consequently, it affected the energy consumption in Singleton.
(KJ Draft) Refit
In addition to this, in the case of KJ Draft Refit, it was analysed that the target was attained mostly and in the last three months the business was not able to meet its target. Thus, with this, it can be stated that the company must effectively try to manage and maintain the working well and also the energy is consumed effectively so that the overall working can be improved. Also, the gas consumption outlines that the place is not able to manage the use of gas and consequently the targets are not met well.
Gorseinon
This site of NHS is not operating well as in any of the months the organization is not able to meet the target and this implies that the business is not efficiently using the energy which is not good for the company (de Oliveira et al, 2021). Moreover, in the case of gas as well, NHS is not able to manage and maintain the targets and with this, it can be stated that in this segment NHS is not able to use the energy efficiently.
CCoed
With further evaluation of the data gathered it is clear that in the case of electricity, CCoed can manage the working well and also the targets are met. Although the refit targets are high and they have not been met the normal targets of the company are met effectively (Kiang and Behne, 2021). Moreover, in case of the gas usage, the organization of this site was not able to manage and maintain the target in September and October.
Cimla
Further, in the case of Cimla, the electricity is not managed well as in 3 months out of 8 the targets are not met and in the case of gas consumption, as well 3 months target is not attained. Also, the predicted targets are more and the actual targets of the company have also not been met.
Llwyneryr
With further analysis of the data gathered by using the NHS record, it is clear that in the case of Llwyneryr, the electricity is not used efficiently. This is not at all good as the company is not in a position to manage and utilise the electricity effectively and efficiently (Jaber and Idrees, 2021). Further, in case of the gas consumption, it is clear that the company is working well in comparison to electricity. Only in 2 months, the company was not able to meet the targets and as a result of this, the overall efficiency of the business is impacted.
Tonna
With further analysis, it was also analysed that the electricity usage at Tonna the NHS is not good as the company met the target in only one of the months otherwise they were not able to meet the targets. Thus, as a result of this, the energy was not effectively utilised and also in the case of gas energy, the targets were not met effectively (Heye et al, 2020). Further, the analysis outlined that in the case of gas consumption, the NHS did not meet the targets in 5 months out of 8 months. With this, it can be stated that energy consumption needs to be improved.
5.3 Discussion
With the further analysis and evaluation of the above collected and analysed data, it was seen that conserving the energy is very necessary. This is because of the reason that when the effective type of energy is used and secured then it will help manage the working. Also, when the energy is optimally utilised then the overall efficiency will be increased and ultimately the energy will be utilised. In support of this, MacNeill, McGain and Sherman, (2021) stated that sustainably utilising energy is very essential for better working. When the companies within the healthcare sector will be optimally using the energy then it will be improving the overall efficiency. Thus it will result in effective usage of the energy and the optimal working. In case the energy will not be used optimally then it can create negative issues in the working of the company. Thus as a result of this, the overall efficiency will be impacted and ultimately the profitability is affected.
With further findings, it was analysed that the majority of the sites are having issues in meeting the target of gas consumption. Thus, it is necessary for healthcare organizations, especially the NHS they appropriately plan for the usage of the different energy which they use within their operations. Moreover, these different energy include electricity, gas, oil, water and many other different types of the energies. Thus, it is necessary for the organization they plan the usage in such a manner that the overall working is improved (urohit, Smith and Hibble, 2021). When effective planning for the usage of energy is done then automatically the overall working is improved. Also Morciano et al, (2021) stated that when the proper energy utilisation and conservation plan is prepared then it will improve sustainable working. For successful working, they must try to approach sustainable working so that the overall development of the company can take place and ultimately sustainable working can be promoted.
With the findings, it was also examined that complying with solar energy is the most common type of energy generation and utilisation method which needs to be applied. NHS is particularly complying with this and as a result, the overall working performance of the company will increase. In support of this Nundy et al, (2021) stated that when solar energy is implemented then it will promote sustainable working. It is due to the reason that when solar energy is used then the effective use of renewable energy takes place and along with this the extra energy generated is utilised in future work as well. Moreover, with the evaluation of the different secondary sources, it is clear that effective community health benefits will also gained. This is because of the reason that when the healthcare sector is working well then automatically the overall working will be improved and good healthcare services will be provided to the people in society. Thus, ultimately it will improve community health and also the stake in the healthcare sector will be increased as people will be using the services better.
Moreover, the findings outlined that complying with solar energy is the need of the current times. In case the effective type of energy is used then automatically the overall work will be improved and ultimately the overall efficiency will be improved. Furthermore, in support of this, urohit, Smith and Hibble, (2021) stated that complying with the concept of energy preservation is very necessary. In case the energy is not preserved well then it will impact the overall working better and ultimately the operational efficiency will be increased. Furthermore, when the effective type of energy is utilised appropriately then it will enhance the overall working and ultimately better services will be provided to the patients and other people coming to the health care setting.
5.4 Key findings
Sherman et al, (2020) state that supporting effective ventilation and air conditioning is very necessary. It is due to the reason that without the ventilation and effective cross-, air system the work cannot be managed well. It is mandatory for the different healthcare settings they effectively use the energy so that the air ventilation can be managed well. In case it will not be followed well then more energy will be consumed. Thus, Rizan et al, (2020) supported that focusing and taking advantage of natural ventilation is very necessary. When the healthcare setting focuses on natural ventilation then the healthcare setting will be in a position to manage the work well. In case the environment is naturally ventilated then it will provide a soothing environment to the patients. Thus, as a result of this, it will be keeping the patient happy and satisfied with the services provided and energy will also be saved.
In addition to this, Littlejohns et al, (2020) articulated that managing and maintaining the office and small power equipment is also necessary to be managed well. In case these elements are not managed well then it will affect the overall work to a great extent. When these small pieces of equipment are used without need then electricity will be consumed. Thus, it is necessary for healthcare companies they turn off the system or the equipment which is not in need. Chaudhary et al, (2021) evidenced that when the electricity is secured then it will assist the company in managing and conserving energy. This can be further used in the future and will assist the company in improving the working well.
In the previous studies, the context of energy efficiency is not analysed much. It is due to the reason that after sustainable working becomes trending the people have shifted towards energy protection and working. Thus, the current study is conducted to analyse how energy efficiency improved the working of the hospitals and the related aspects. In case energy efficiency is not focused on by the hospitals and other healthcare settings then it can affect the overall efficiency of the hospitals (Hohne, Kusakana and Numbi, 2020). Thus, it is mandatory for companies to optimally make use of energy-efficient resources and facilities so that the work can be managed. Ultimately the current study will help the readers in analysing how energy efficient methods can be implemented by the hospitals and how they will be helping in increasing the overall efficiency.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
With the above findings, it was analysed that there is a high requirement to use the energy sustainably. In many of the sites, the energy consumption is not good and as a result of this, the overall working needs to be improved. Hence, for effective energy conservation it is very necessary that some steps are followed by the NHS and these are as follows-
- Firstly it is suggested to NHS that they must effectively invest in implementing the solar energy system. This is because when effective solar energy plants are used then it will enhance energy preservation and optimum utilisation well (Jain et al, 2021). For this effective solar panels need to be installed which will store the sunlight and will aim at generating better energy. Moreover, with the help of solar plants, the excess energy will be saved and ultimately the overall working will be improved and it can be effectively used in future as well.
- Along with this, it is advisable to NHS they must try to manage the heating and cooling of the appliances present. It is due to the reason that every degree above 20 degrees adds 10 % to the heating bill. Also in winter, this heating can count for around 30 % (Top 10 energy saving tips, 2024). Thus, company is responsible that they try to effectively save energy by keeping in mind this heating and cooling degree so that energy can be saved and bill amount can be reduced.
7. IMPLEMENTATIONS
7.1 Action plan
The action plan for the implementation of the recommendation includes the analysis of the different vendors who are providing the services of installing solar plants. This is necessary because there are many different people and vendors and they charge different prices. Thus, the first step includes identifying the different vendors (Cesari et al, 2020). There are various types of vendors which provide the facility for installing solar panels in the hospital. Thus, for this quotation, tenders will be asked from the different vendors relating to the prices of the solar panels. After the detailed evaluation, the most suited vendor will be given the contract for the implementation of the solar panels.
7.2 Timeline
The timeline set for implementing the recommendation is 3-4 months. It is due to the reason that it includes the time for inviting the quotation and then the evaluation of the different vendors takes place (Blenkinsop et al, 2021). Thus, as a result of this, it takes a little time and for this, the approximate time will include 3-4 months.
7.3 Resources
For the effective implementation of the different recommendations, there is a high requirement for the resources to be used. This is because of the reason that without the resources no work is done well and ultimately there is a high need for effective resources (William et al, 2020). The resources here required for the implementation of the solar plants the man, material, finance and technology, semiconductor materials like silicon, solar inverters and many other different types of the resources.
7.4 Risk management
Risk
|
Likelihood
|
Impact
|
Mitigating strategy
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Technical risk
|
Moderate
|
High
|
For the effective mitigation of technical risk during the implementation of solar plants, analyse the version of the technology that is all the latest technology must be installed then only the work will take place effectively.
|
Financial risk
|
High
|
High
|
To mitigate the financial risk, the contingency fund is maintained. This contingency fund can be used in any situation which comes in an emergency during the implementation of the solar plant.
|
Strategic risk
|
Low
|
Moderate
|
For mitigation of strategic risk, it is the responsibility of the coordinator of solar plant implementation that they must plan for effective strategies while keeping in mind the current working patterns (Abd Rahman, Lim and Fazlizan, 2021). This is necessary as it helps the company in managing and implementing the changes in a better and more effective manner.
|
8. EVALUATION AND MONITORING
8.1 Success metrics
For effectively analysing the success of the strategy the effective type of the KI must be set. These KIs that is Key erformance Indicators are a directive which helps in improving the working better. In case the KI is clear then it will direct the company to conducting the performance well (Tennison et al, 2021). The KI set for the current energy conservation and optimum utilisation is to reduce unnecessary energy consumption by at least 15 %. Moreover, another KI includes the effective usage of electricity and gas in a more efficient manner in comparison to the target. It aims at attaining the target by at least 2 % more than the actual target is set. It is necessary because the KI provides a clear direction and this improves the overall working and implementation of the different types of recommendation and energy efficiency methods.
8.2 Monitoring plan
For the effective monitoring of the plan, the effective type of monitoring must be done. If the monitoring of the project is not good then the project will not become successful. Thus, in the current project of energy conservation and preservation in NHS, the monitoring plan will include the implementation of the variance analysis (Xu et al, 2022). This is a technique which includes the comparison of the actual performance with the planned performance and analysing the deviation into the performance. In case the actual performance is better than the planned performance then it is stated that the project has become successful. Moreover, with this monitoring plan, the overall performance will be improved and ultimately the energy in NHS will be optimally used.
9. CONCLUSION
9.1 Summary
In the end, it is summarised that conserving and optimally using the energy is very beneficial for the company. This is due to the reason that within the healthcare sector, there is a requirement for the use of different technologies and for this energy is consumed more. Hence, as a result of this, the overall working needs to be managed so that energy can be optimally used. The above study supplied the information that when energy is optimally used then it provides the benefit of economies of scale and also the money is saved. Further, with the data analyses section it was analysed that energy usage is not much good in NHS and its different sites. At last, it was recommended to the company that they effectively try to implement the solar plants and also focus on controlling the degree of the usage.
9.2 Impact
The current study creates a major impact on the company because it guides the business in managing energy well so that the optimum use of energy can be done. Energy is a scarce resource and without it, work cannot be made. Thus, as a result of this, the present study will assist in improving the usage of energy well and it will also be saved well for future use as well.
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Online
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Author Bio
Hello, students. I am Jazmine McCullough. I am a professional writer of management academic papers. When I was in university, pursuing my MBA degree assignments used to haunt me a lot. That's why I have written this blog to make sure that students don't face the issues I used to face. Alongside this, I also offer my assistance to students in completing their assignments. With 4+ years of experience in this field, I can assure you the best quality for your projects.