PureHealth Launches Innovative Energy Efficiency Initiative in Partnership with EPX
PureHealth, the leading healthcare organization in the Middle East, has embarked on an ambitious new project aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. In collaboration with EPX, a smart building analytics firm, this initiative is set to have a significant impact on operational emissions—reducing them by over 36,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over a period of seven years. To put this into perspective, this reduction is akin to removing approximately 6,500 cars from the roads for an entire year. Moreover, PureHealth’s efforts are projected to decrease annual energy consumption by more than 13 million kilowatt hours (kWh) across its healthcare network in the UAE. This volume of energy could effectively power a 50-bed hospital for more than a year.
Leveraging Advanced Technology for Sustainability
At the core of this initiative is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. PureHealth will implement EPX’s AI-driven EDGE platform to gather and analyze vast amounts of data from sensors installed across ten major facilities managed by SEHA, SEHA Clinics, and The Medical Office (TMO). This innovative system operates similarly to wearable devices that track human activity, continuously monitoring energy usage. By applying machine learning techniques, the platform will identify opportunities for optimizing building systems, including chillers and other essential equipment, to save energy and lessen emissions.
Insights from Leadership
Leya Al Damani, Chief Sustainability Officer at PureHealth, emphasized the importance of this partnership in her remarks. “This collaboration introduces smart innovation into our operations, establishing a new standard for sustainable healthcare. As we strive for net-zero emissions by 2040, our goal is to translate ambition into tangible results,” she stated. Her focus on utilizing AI, IoT, and real-time analytics underscores PureHealth’s commitment to creating hospitals and clinics that are not only energy-efficient but also resilient and environmentally responsible.
A Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy
The energy efficiency project is part of PureHealth’s broader Smart Facilities and Operations strategy, reflecting a dedicated approach to sustainability. This initiative follows an earlier shift towards a hybrid vehicle fleet and is one of three primary projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, with additional solar and retrofit programs planned for the near future. The procurement arm of PureHealth, Rafed, will facilitate the project’s implementation across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates through a long-term contract.
Supporting National and Global Goals
This initiative directly supports PureHealth’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, aligning with the UAE’s national priorities focused on energy efficiency, digital transformation, and climate action. John Balassis, Executive Director and CEO at EPX, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare group in the UAE, to implement an energy optimization program across these ten healthcare facilities. This partnership highlights our mutual dedication to data-driven energy efficiency, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the built environment in our region.”
Recent Sustainability Achievements
The launch of this initiative comes after a year of notable progress in sustainability efforts for PureHealth. In 2024, the organization reported a 37% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity relative to its 2022 baseline. This marked a 9% decrease from the previous year, showcasing PureHealth’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, the group received a provisional MSCI AAA rating and a “Low Risk” climate score from Sustainalytics, affirming its status among Refinitiv / LSEG’s Top 50 Global ESG-rated healthcare companies.
In summary, PureHealth is setting a new benchmark for operational excellence in sustainable healthcare. By integrating smarter, more efficient technologies, the organization is paving the way for a greener future within the healthcare sector, underscoring its role as a leader in the region’s sustainability journey.
