ROCKPORT — Pen Bay Healthcare recently launched an energy efficiency project focused on improving energy and water efficiency at Pen Bay Medical Center.

In 2014, an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Energy Systems Group was signed for the project which revolves around improvements at the facility.

In the agreement, a total of eight Energy Conservation Measures were identified. Six of the ECMs relate to the heating and cooling system in the building, one is a water conservation measure and the final focuses on improving lighting efficiency. These EMCs were specifically chosen because they work together to create a balanced system within the medical center. ESG will work with Pen Bay Healthcare to measure, track and validate the findings at the completion of the project.

A major development of the project was the installation of a new fuel storage tank along with the conversion of two existing, smaller tanks. Pen Bay Medical Center now has the capability to burn a more environmentally friendly fuel and in the event of an emergency, can operate the heating system for roughly twice as long without a fuel delivery. Along with updates to the fuel storage tanks, burners inside the boiler plant have also been updated. Two of the new burners are considered to be the most efficient on the market which means that Pen Bay Medical Center is now able to burn cleaner fuel at a higher efficiency, which further cuts down on emissions.

To manage and improve upon water conservation, every toilet in the facility has been changed to a low-flow flush unit. In addition, restrictors have been installed on all bathroom sinks to regulate water used per minute, low-flow shower heads have been installed and bed pan sprayers have been refitted for high-pressure, low-flow.

In the Pen Bay Medical Center kitchen, the convection steamers and dishwasher have been replaced with more water efficient units.

The final element of the project is focused on lighting. A total of 2,677 lighting fixtures have been modified or replaced with high efficiency fixtures and lamps. This includes 52 external fixtures on the building and around the hospital parking lots. Wherever possible, light emitting diode fixtures have also been used to replace older fluorescent or incandescent units.

The annual total savings of the project is estimated at over $550,000 with final measurements and assessments taking place over the coming months. In addition to cost savings, Pen Bay Medical Center will eliminate approximately 98% of the soot previously generated at the facility. Greenhouse gas emissions will also be reduced by an estimated 1,046 metric tons equivalent per year which is equivalent to 200 vehicles being taken off the road. Pen Bay Medical Center is already seeing significant reductions in water consumption and is looking forward to the final review of the project.