A recent project running from 2018–20 to replace old autoclaves (steam sterilisation equipment) took a holistic approach with input at departmental and faculty level and worked with our Purchasing Project and Estates teams.

Running costs of electricity, steam, water consumption, maintenance and service contracts on plant, as well as the autoclaves themselves were considered, together with insurance inspections, the staffing costs to run the facility and the upfront cost of their initial purchase.

Overall, this led to a reduction in the number of autoclaves needing to be purchased, and introduced greater energy efficiencies.