Sustainable Solutions to Reduce Energy Costs at Apeksha Hospital

In a pioneering move to champion sustainability in healthcare, the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka (Apeksha Hospital), in collaboration with the Electrical Work Group of the Engineering Council, Sri Lanka (ECSL) and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), has launched a transformative energy audit initiative to optimise energy use, improve electrical safety, and promote environmentally responsible practices at the hospital.

This volunteer-led initiative, carried out as part of the ECSL and IESL’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, marks a significant milestone in enhancing operational efficiency while training the next generation of energy auditors.

The project is being executed in three strategic phases:

Condition Audit – Evaluation of the hospital’s current electrical infrastructure.

Comprehensive Energy Audit – Identification of inefficiencies and areas for energy-saving improvements.

Rooftop Solar Proposal – A sustainable energy blueprint to reduce long-term energy costs.

The first phase, the Condition Audit, was successfully completed and the findings were officially handed over to the hospital’s management on October 9, 2024, during a Development Committee meeting. This phase entailed an in-depth inspection of the hospital’s infrastructure to pinpoint key areas requiring intervention.

A multidisciplinary volunteer team led by Eng. Navodana Kankanamge, comprising Chartered and Associate Engineers, engineering undergraduates, and NVQ-4 certified electricians, carried out the audit. The team included expertise from Eng. (Dr.) Dulini Mudunkotuwa, Eng. (Dr.) Sandun Konara, Eng. Janaka Lakmewan, Eng. Weranga Dassanayake, and Eng. Dasun Ranasinghe. The effort was further supported by undergraduates from leading Engineering Faculties and members of the Electrician Guild of Sri Lanka, with coordination facilitated by Snr. Prof. Jagath Premachandra and the hospital management.

The formal presentation of findings was attended by senior representatives from ECSL and IESL and laid the foundation for actionable steps toward energy optimisation.

The next stages—the Comprehensive Energy Audit and the Rooftop Solar Proposal—will be implemented over the coming months. These will focus on analysing consumption patterns, proposing energy-saving measures, and designing a rooftop solar system that aligns with the hospital’s long-term sustainability goals.

This project reflects the power of collaboration and technical expertise in creating impactful change for public health institutions. The Development Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all contributors for their time, skill, and commitment to a greener future for Apeksha Hospital.