News & Insights
VIDEO: Energy savings in aging healthcare facilities
Why this matters now
Healthcare systems are facing rising utility costs, sustainability commitments, and aging mechanical systems all at once. Many hospitals operate around the clock in buildings designed decades ago, when energy was cheaper, and codes were less demanding. Energy-saving opportunities are real but executing them in an active patient environment is delicate. Facilities leaders need approaches that lower energy use without affecting clinical operations, infection control, or comfort.
What leaders are weighing
Facilities leaders are deciding how to sequence energy projects in spaces that cannot be shut down. They are weighing the appeal of large central plant upgrades against the steadier savings from controls tuning, retro-commissioning, and equipment replacements. There are tradeoffs around air change rates, redundancy, and code requirements that affect what can be changed and how. Capital teams want defensible paybacks. Clinical leaders want zero disruption. Sustainability teams want measurable progress. Each project has to satisfy all three.
How Salas O’Brien is helping clients respond
Our healthcare engineering team helps hospital systems find and execute energy savings in environments that cannot tolerate disruption. We bring experience with central plants, air handling, controls, and the codes that shape what is possible. We help facilities leaders prioritize projects, plan phasing around clinical schedules, and document outcomes that withstand scrutiny. Hear John Hauge, Duane Waite, and Khaja Syed talk through what’s working in aging healthcare facilities.
John Hauge, PE
John Hauge is deeply experienced in leading building mechanical and plumbing system design and analysis for healthcare facilities. His passion for high-quality work sharpens his focus on the right planning, communication, and processes. John has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University. He serves as a Principal for Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Duane Waite
Duane Waite, with 39 years of experience managing electrical engineering teams, combines a hands-on approach with an eye for detail, inspiring his team to deliver quality work consistently. His commitment to continuing education and mentorship, combined with reliable, efficient communication and information-tracking systems, has proven highly advantageous on complex projects such as hospitals, pharmaceutical, educational, governmental, and industrial facilities. Duane serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien and Head of the Electrical Department in Canada. Contact him at [email protected].
Khaja Syed, P.Eng. MS.
Khaja Syed is known for his leadership and project management skills across multi-national projects. His experience includes significant roles in designing and managing complex electrical systems for hospitals and pharmaceutical, educational, governmental, and industrial facilities. Khaja serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected] .