The study’s findings were published in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Radiology is taking a lead in medical technology use with the use of computers and scanning equipment. “We should be aware of the ongoing energy costs to the system of this equipment and look for ways to reduce it, both as a cost-saving measure and a way to help promote healthy living for our patients with the reduction in greenhouse gases and carbon emissions,” said Prasanth M. Prasanna, MD, from the University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD, USA), and lead author of the study.

Researchers used an electric meter to determine consumption and cost of running their workstations (and monitors) during both active and standby states. Cost per kilowatt-hour was calculated at USD 0.11, not including taxes and fees.

“In aggregate, all workstations and monitors would use approximately 137,759.54 kW, costing USD 15,153. If all equipment were shut down after an eight-hour workday, the department would consume about 32,633.64 kW, costing USD 3,589, thereby saving 83,866.6 kWh and USD 9,225.33,” said Dr. Prasanna. “We have shown 76.3% energy and cost savings simply by shutting down workstations [and monitors] at the end of the workday [five work days and two weekend days]. This is a simple and highly effective means of curbing waste, especially in aggregate across a department,” he said.

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University of Maryland Medical Center