Escalating energy costs in successive budgets prompted Memorial Hermann to examine the reasons for the increases and establish benchmarking tools to track energy use. Variations in consumption between existing facilities and the five new facilities opened in 2006–07 were of particular concern. There was a need to understand the energy­cost drivers, compare hospitals with differing characteristics, and resolve the issues that provided the best return on investment. Challenges included gathering data from each facility and, using EPA's Energy Star database and ASHE's Energy Efficiency Commitment (E2C) program, creating a benchmarking tool to track energy use and provide goals and rewards for achievement. This session will enable you to—
• Establish your own internal and external benchmarking program using Excel, Energy Star, and ASHE tools.
• Outline the key energy issues Memorial Hermann discovered that resulted in the greatest improvement to the bottom line.