Checklist Spotlights Energy, Water Savings

11/26/2025

Sustainability in healthcare facilities often focus heavily on design and construction practices. This emphasis is understandable, given the opportunity to create a facility from the ground up that minimizes its impact on the environment. But as facility managers in existing facilities know all too well, aging structures offer a host of opportunities for greener operations.  

Consider the Healthcare Energy and Water Efficiency Checklist recently released by Practice Greenhealth. The resource includes nearly 50 no- and low-cost opportunities for energy and water savings, tailored specifically to existing healthcare facilities. Organized by category – from lighting and HVAC to water and general maintenance – the checklist is designed to help healthcare facilities managers and other sustainability professionals communicate, collaborate and act while showcasing successes to hospital executives, building momentum and adding custom project ideas as sustainability efforts grow. 

Managers can use the checklist as a starting point to create shared wins, build alignment between teams and reinvest savings into bigger sustainability goals. The checklist is designed to help managers:  

• Engage facilities teams. Sustainability professionals can strengthen collaboration with facilities staff.  
• Identify low- and no-cost opportunities. Discover energy and water efficiency projects that deliver immediate value.  
• Provide a practical starting point. Managers in existing health care facilities can look to begin or expand their sustainability efforts.  
• Track progress and demonstrate wins. Show top executives the way small steps can add up to meaningful savings. 

Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.?