An innovative project, within the scope of energy sustainability in large hospitals, has brought together the multinational Siemens and Luz Saúde. With the goal of 'reducing the carbon footprint associated with magnetic resonance imaging equipment', EcoScan is already yielding results and promises significant savings in hospital electricity consumption. "The importance of EcoScan lies in its ability to generate environmental, economic and operational value simultaneously. It allows for significant energy savings, reduces emissions associated with electricity consumption per examination, and proves that it is possible to make an energy transition in healthcare without compromising the quality of care. It is a scalable, replicable project aligned with ESG principles, reflecting the group's commitment to more sustainable healthcare and prepared for the challenges of the future." Gonçalo Leal is the Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Luz Saúde and was responsible for developing this project at the Hospital da Luz units. In this interview, he explains what it is, how it came about, and what results have already been achieved with the implementation of EcoScan, in partnership with Siemens Healthineers. What is EcoScan? What is the importance of this project? EcoScan is a project developed by the Luz Saúde Group with the goal of reducing the carbon footprint associated with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment, one of the most energy-intensive systems in a hospital environment, operating 24/7 with demanding thermal and magnetic requirements. Through the implementation of automated energy management systems, the project allows for the intelligent switching on and off of equipment components, optimizing their operation outside of clinical hours and eliminating unnecessary consumption. This automation reduces dependence on manual tasks by technicians, standardizes operation, and ensures consistent efficiency gains. The importance of EcoScan lies in its ability to generate environmental, economic, and operational value simultaneously. It allows for significant energy savings, reduces emissions associated with electricity consumption, and proves that it is possible to make an energy transition in healthcare without compromising the quality of care. It is a scalable, replicable project aligned with ESG principles, reflecting the group's commitment to more sustainable healthcare prepared for the challenges of the future. Sustainability is the keyword of the project. In this specific case, how does it relate to the activity of imaging equipment? In this case, sustainability is deeply linked to how imaging equipment is selected, operated, and managed in the hospital setting. The EcoScan project demonstrates that reducing energy consumption in high-performance equipment, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is not only possible but desirable, without compromising the quality of care. This approach is also aligned with the need to rationalize the use of scarce resources, such as iodine, used in contrast media, or liquid helium, essential in the operation of MRI, whose global scarcity demands more responsible clinical practices. Furthermore, sustainability applies to human capital management, as more efficient equipment and optimized processes contribute to more attractive and technologically advanced work environments, which is essential to attract and retain differentiated professionals in a highly competitive sector. What results have been obtained so far? To date, EcoScan has been implemented in ten Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, out of a total of 38 machines owned by the group. The estimated annual energy savings is approximately R$ 25,000 for the 10 machines, a value that could triple with the extension of the project to the rest of the base installed. This saving results from the significant reduction in unnecessary operating hours of the now automated equipment. The results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve real energy efficiency without impacting clinical activity or the patient experience. What concrete impact has this project had on hospital operations? The impact of EcoScan on hospital operations has been positive and without any disruption to patient care. The automation of processes freed technicians from routine tasks, such as manually turning equipment on and off at the beginning and end of each day, improving operational efficiency and ensuring greater consistency in the use of systems. In addition, the project reinforced the standardization of procedures between units and served as an example of how small technological changes can generate significant operational gains with little implementation effort. How was the involvement of healthcare professionals working in this area and with this equipment carried out? In an initial phase of the EcoScan project, a very small involvement of healthcare professionals was chosen, namely radiology technicians, with the aim of obtaining a realistic and unbiased assessment of the energy consumption patterns of Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment. The priority was to rigorously understand the energy behavior of the installed equipment under normal operating conditions, without external interference. After the first phase of implementation and technical validation of the automated system, the active involvement of the technicians responsible for the units was then promoted, to whom the project was presented in detail, its objectives, the preliminary results and the necessary operational changes. This second phase was essential to ensure the ownership of the project by the teams in the field, guaranteeing a smooth transition, clear communication and consistent application of the new procedures. Do the patients feel in any way the impact of EcoScan on their relationship with the hospital? Although patients do not experience direct changes in the performance of examinations, since clinical protocols and the quality of procedures remain unchanged, the EcoScan project has an indirect impact on their relationship with the hospital. By improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and establishing the institution as an active promoter of sustainable practices, it contributes to strengthening the trust, reputation, and environmental commitment of the group among its users. This type of initiative reinforces the positive perception of the hospital as a modern, responsible organization aligned with the challenges of the future. Why Siemens Healthineers as our partner in this project? Siemens Healthineers was chosen as the partner in this project because it is the supplier with the largest representation in the installed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment of the Luz Saúde Group. This significant presence facilitated implementation on a scale, ensuring a more comprehensive and immediate impact. However, it is important to emphasize that EcoScan was conceived from the beginning as a manufacturer-agnostic project, meaning that it can be replicated on equipment from other suppliers. The choice of Siemens was based on a pre-existing strategic partnership, demonstrated technical capabilities, and ease of integration with existing systems. How does this project fit into the context of Luz Saúde's sustainability strategy? The EcoScan project is fully aligned with the sustainability strategy of the Luz Saúde Group, which prioritizes the integration of ESG principles into clinical and operational activities. This project is a clear example of how technology can be applied pragmatically to achieve environmental, economic, and social objectives. It contributes to reducing the carbon footprint, promotes energy efficiency, improves service operation, and actively involves healthcare professionals. It is, therefore, an initiative that translates into concrete actions the organization's commitment to a more sustainable, resilient, and future-oriented healthcare system.
