ProjeCt

Energy consumption and lighting in examination rooms in health care – Follow-up study

The project evaluates whether energy-saving measures have had the expected effect and if they have improved the visual ergonomics for those working in the examination rooms.

PROJECT INFORMATION
Timeline
March 2024 – June 2026

Total cost of project
1 796 000 SEK

Swedish Energy Agency’s project number
P2023-01449

Coordinator
S:t Eriks Ögonsjukhus

Participants
S:t Eriks Ögonsjukhus, KTH

Project manager and contact
Kristina Teär Fahnehjelm: kristina.tear-fahnehjelm@regionstockholm.se

Prior to the construction of a new eye hospital in Stockholm, a project was carried out to suggest improved lighting in examination rooms with new lighting technology and daylight access, that at the same time would save energy. The effect of the energy-saving measures was estimated to be up to 30 percent.

This new project follows up on the results from the previous study. The goal is to evaluate how effective the energy-saving measures have been.

In addition, we will analyse whether new working methods have contributed to lower energy consumption, approximately 50 percent, through increased use of daylight and pre-programmed lighting options for different stages of the eye examinations.

We will also analyse if the measures contributed to a better visual ergonomy and to a reduced proportion of previously reported problems, such as impaired well-being, increased fatigue, sleep problems. These problems were to a greater extent reported by female than male employees and were stated to be mainly due to working in the dark and to the lack of daylight. Improved and more energy-efficient lighting that contributes to the reduction of inconveniences of these types is an important incentive for investments in energy savings.