In recent years, the healthcare industry has made significant strides toward achieving decarbonization goals, driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change and enhance environmental sustainability. Corporate healthcare groups have begun to drive these sustainability goals throughout hospital and operational decision-makers, leading to both opportunities and challenges as hospital operators seek to maintain or improve patient services while also managing unique sustainability challenges.

One innovative solution that supports these goals while improving operational performance is the implementation of an onsite chemical generator for industrial water treatment and potable water secondary disinfection. These systems, which can produce chemicals such as chlorine (Cl₂) or chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) on-site for disinfection and sterilization purposes, offer a variety of environmental and operational benefits that align with the hospital industry’s sustainability objectives.

Understanding Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are both potent disinfectants and sterilizing agents with applications in cooling towers, boilers, surgical sterilization, and potable water treatment. Unlike chlorine, which can form harmful disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs), chlorine dioxide produces no such DBPs, making it a friendly alternative for human health and the environment, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

Key Benefits of Onsite Chlorine Dioxide Generation

Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

One of the primary environmental benefits of onsite chlorine dioxide generators is their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditionally, chlorine is supplied in pails, drums, or totes, which requires transportation and storage of chemical containers. This transportation process contributes to carbon emissions due to the fuel consumed during transit, in addition to creating an inherent supply chain risk in the event that travel became difficult due to weather or other exterior impacts.

Onsite generators eliminate the need for such transportation, thus reducing the carbon footprint associated with the supply chain. By generating chlorine dioxide directly at the point of use, hospitals can significantly lower their associated greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with their decarbonization goals.

Lower Energy Consumption

Onsite chlorine dioxide generators are designed to operate efficiently with relatively low energy consumption. They typically require only minimal electrical input to generate the required concentration of chlorine dioxide from its precursor chemicals such as sodium chlorite. This efficiency contrasts with the energy-intensive processes involved in the production and transportation of containerized chlorine.

By adopting onsite generators, hospitals can benefit from reduced energy consumption, contributing to lower overall carbon emissions. This is particularly important as the healthcare industry strives to minimize its energy usage and transitions to renewable energy sources.

Enhanced Waste Management

Chlorine dioxide is noted for its minimal impact on waste management compared to other disinfectants. When chlorine dioxide is used, it breaks down into harmless byproducts which are less likely to contribute to environmental pollution and typically fall well within any local wastewater discharge limits. Furthermore, the onsite generation of chlorine dioxide reduces the need for disposable chemical containers and packaging, thus minimizing waste production.

Hospitals that incorporate onsite generators can reduce their waste footprint, enhance recycling efforts, and align with broader waste reduction strategies. This contributes to a more sustainable operation and supports overall decarbonization goals.

Improved Safety and Efficiency

Onsite chlorine dioxide generators can enhance safety and operational efficiency within healthcare facilities. Pre-packaged chlorine can pose risks related to handling and storage, including potential leaks or spills. Onsite generation eliminates these risks by producing the chemical on demand, thereby minimizing the need for handling hazardous materials.

Additionally, the use of onsite generators can streamline disinfection processes. Chlorine dioxide is highly effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its efficiency in disinfection reduces the need for additional chemical interventions and cleaning products, further supporting sustainability goals.

Cost Savings

Although the initial capital expenditure for an onsite chlorine dioxide generator can be significant, the long-term financial benefits outweigh these costs. Hospitals save on the recurring expenses associated with purchasing, transporting, and storing pre-packaged chlorine, as well as the risks of future downtime due to lack of chemical availability. Moreover, the efficiency and effectiveness of onsite generators can lead to cost savings through reduced chemical usage and lower labor costs associated with handling and application.

These financial savings can be reinvested into other sustainability initiatives, supporting the hospital’s overall decarbonization strategy and enhancing its ability to fund additional green projects.

Integrating Chlorine Dioxide Generators into Decarbonization Strategies

Assessment and Planning

To maximize the benefits of onsite chlorine dioxide generators, hospitals should conduct a thorough assessment of their current disinfection and sterilization processes. This assessment should determine how onsite chlorine dioxide generation can be integrated effectively. Key steps include evaluating the specific needs of different departments, identifying potential areas for improvement, and ensuring that the generator’s capacity aligns with those needs. This process helps to establish a clear understanding of how the new system will fit within the existing infrastructure and what modifications might be necessary for seamless integration.

Training and Implementation

Proper training for staff is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of onsite generators. Hospitals should develop comprehensive training programs and procedures for operating the equipment and handling the generated chlorine dioxide. This training should cover the operational aspects of the generator, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and routine maintenance tasks. Working with a certified water treatment company that has experience servicing such equipment in a healthcare environment can ensure that all staff are well-prepared to manage the new system.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular monitoring and evaluation of the onsite chlorine dioxide system’s performance are crucial for ensuring that it meets the intended disinfection standards while contributing to sustainability goals. This includes tracking energy consumption, waste production, and overall efficiency. Most modern onsite chlorine dioxide generators can provide online real-time monitoring to track key operational performance metrics. By continuously evaluating these metrics, hospitals can make data-driven decisions to optimize the system’s performance and ensure it remains aligned with their sustainability objectives.

Reporting and Communication

Hospitals should document the environmental benefits achieved through the use of onsite generators and communicate these achievements both internally and externally. Internally, this helps to build support for sustainability initiatives among staff and stakeholders. Externally, sharing these successes can enhance the hospital’s reputation as a leader in sustainability and provide valuable insights for other institutions considering similar initiatives. Clear and transparent reporting also allows for benchmarking against industry standards and the identification of best practices.

Recommendations

Onsite chlorine dioxide generators offer a promising solution for hospitals seeking to achieve their decarbonization goals. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy consumption, improving waste management, enhancing safety and efficiency, and delivering cost savings, these generators support a more sustainable and environmentally friendly healthcare operation.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Onsite generation significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with chemical transportation and supply chains.
• Energy Consumption: The efficiency of onsite generators lowers overall energy use, aiding in the transition to renewable energy sources.
• Waste Management: Minimal waste production and reduced need for disposable containers contribute to a lower environmental impact.
• Safety and Efficiency: On-demand chemical production enhances operational safety and efficiency, minimizing the risks associated with handling hazardous materials.
• Cost Savings: Long-term financial benefits from reduced chemical purchases, transportation, and handling costs can be reinvested in further sustainability initiatives.

Remember that chemical treatment alone is not sufficient in establishing long-term biological control in cooling systems. Reach out to EAI Water to talk further about your Water Management Program.