With prices still well above pre-energy crisis levels and the forecasts for 2024 looking uncertain, now is a good time to begin paying greater attention to your energy use. Here is a look at some equipment-based ideas to reduce your practice’s energy consumption and help contribute to the industry’s larger sustainability goals.

What’s The Problem?

Although 2023 saw some stabilisation following the unprecedented rises in energy prices of the previous year, prices are now still double what they were at the start of 2021. In addition to the energy crisis, the dangers of climate change and the NHS’ ambitious aims to reduce emissions by 80% over the next 6-10 years means there is now a real responsibility for every practice to improve its green credentials. Energy currently accounts for roughly 14 to 21% of the dental industry’s greenhouse emissions, second only to travel on the dental carbon footprint.

What’s The Solution?

Switching to energy-efficient equipment can be a great way to begin instantly saving a small amount of money, which can add up to substantial savings over the course of a year or two. Here are a couple of our top recommendations:

What Else Can Be Done?

Outside of dental equipment, energy efficient technologies should be adopted in other areas, such as the lighting and computers. A practice with eight 60-watt light bulbs that are turned on for 10 hours a day costs approximately £150 (507kg CO2e) per year, according to the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.

Switching to fluorescent lighting has the potential to reduce energy expenditure and carbon emissions by one quarter. Savings will be even greater if LED bulbs are used. A desktop computer consumes between £25 and £62 of energy per year if used 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. These figures rise significantly if the computer is left on overnight. Switching to smaller laptops and making sure they are turned off overnight can be a great way of reducing energy consumption