BIDMC Decarbonization

Located in the Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is a world-class teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The 2.8 million square foot, 28-building campus includes integrated inpatient care, outpatient care, laboratory space, and staff space. BIDMC is seeking to reduce their carbon usage by 50% by 2030, aiming for complete decarbonization by 2050. To achieve these aggressive goals, BIDMC engaged CMTA to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce energy consumption and provide creative ways to reduce its energy related emissions.

Transitioning an existing hospital to achieve these significant decarbonization goals is not an easy feat—especially a hospital campus of this scale. To understand the complexity of the campus and its systems, CMTA conducted an in-depth investigation of BIDMC's present energy usage, carbon footprint, and general practices. We also partnered with hospital staff to provide options and potential pathways to decarbonize their utilities. Through a thorough analysis of policy and behavior, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders, we established a framework for identifying and comparing alternatives to current equipment and infrastructure. This framework will help BIDMC reach their long-term emissions goals. We also evaluated the economic and sustainability benefits, along with the costs, of commercially available energy efficiency, energy supply, and distribution technologies.

Using the data gathered in the exploratory/analysis phase, CMTA provided BIDMC with a utility decarbonization plan. The plan included a prioritized list of alternative utility infrastructure upgrade scenarios. Each scenario lists the capital and operating costs together with expected emissions. The final utility decarbonization plan report compares these scenarios and provides recommendation on the best one to implement. BIDMC’s decarbonization plan will not only reduce their carbon footprint, but it will also showcase the feasibility of achieving impressive decarbonization goals in existing medical facilities. As they review and implement this plan, BIDMC sets an example for others in the healthcare industry.