Taipei hospital cuts power use 5% with energy-saving measures

台北醫院採取節能措施減少5%用電量

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Veterans General Hospital said its energy-saving measures cut electricity consumption by more than 5% in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2024.

Hospital Superintendent Chen Wei-ming (陳威明) made the remarks Sunday at a forum on sustainable development for medical institutions, where the hospital shared its results. He noted that Taiwan’s healthcare system accounts for 4.6% of the nation’s total carbon emissions, highlighting the need for the sector to step up its efforts, per CNA.

The hospital’s annual power bills for its Heavy Ion Therapy Center, which uses particle beam technology to treat cancer, have exceeded NT$30 million (US$952,000) due to rising electricity use. Overall, annual electricity expenses have surpassed NT$400 million.

In response, the hospital adjusted air-conditioning, setting temperatures at 16–20 C depending on surgery requirements. Chen said it has also lowered electricity use through smart management systems and equipment upgrades.

He added the hospital will continue to adjust its use of medical equipment to boost efficiency, noting that MRI scans consume twice the electricity of CT scans and 33 times that of ultrasound exams.

In July, the hospital installed an AI-powered recycling machine for plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and batteries. Users can collect credits that can be redeemed for discount vouchers at hospital stores.

This year, the hospital also launched a “Meatless Monday” program, expected to cut carbon emissions by up to 140,000 kilograms annually.

Eugene Chien (簡又新), chair of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, said 133 hospitals in Taiwan have joined a government sustainability initiative. The program will invest nearly NT$48.9 billion over five years to help medical institutions adopt greener practices.