PureHealth Launches Smart Energy Project to Cut Carbon Emissions by 36,000 Tonnes Over Seven Years

 PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has launched a new energy efficiency and monitoring project in collaboration with smart building analytics company EPX. The initiative will reduce operational emissions by more than 36,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over seven years – equal to taking around 6,500 cars off the road for a year – and cut annual energy use by over 13 million kilowatt hours (kWh) across the Group’s UAE healthcare network, enough to power a 50-bed hospital for more than a year.

The partnership introduces a new level of intelligence into healthcare operations through artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Using EPX’s AI-driven EDGE platform, PureHealth will collect and analyse billions of data points each year from sensors installed across 10 major facilities under SEHA, SEHA Clinics and The Medical Office (TMO). The system continuously tracks how energy is used – much like how wearable devices track human activity – and applies machine learning to identify where building systems such as chillers and other equipment can be optimised to save energy and reduce emissions.

Leya Al Damani, Chief Sustainability Officer at PureHealth, said: “This partnership brings smart innovation to the heart of our operations, setting a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare. As we work towards net zero by 2040, we’re focused on turning ambition into measurable impact. By combining AI, IoT and real-time analytics, we’re making our hospitals and clinics more efficient, resilient and environmentally responsible – proving that sustainability and operational excellence go hand in hand.”

The initiative supports PureHealth’s Smart Facilities and Operations approach under its sustainability strategy. It follows the Group’s earlier move to transition its vehicle fleet to hybrid models and is one of three key projects focused on improving energy efficiency across operations, alongside upcoming solar and retrofit programmes. Facilitated by Rafed, PureHealth’s procurement arm, the project will be implemented across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates through a multi-year contract.

The project advances PureHealth’s Net Zero by 2040 ambition and reinforces the group’s commitment to building a smarter, more sustainable healthcare system aligned with the UAE’s national priorities for energy efficiency, digital transformation and climate action.

John Balassis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at EPX, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with PureHealth, the UAE’s largest integrated healthcare group, through this tender led by Rafed, to deliver a targeted energy optimisation programme across 10 healthcare facilities for SEHA, SEHA Clinics, and TMO.  This collaboration is very exciting and reflects our two organisations' shared commitment to data-led energy efficiency to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment in the region.  We are also pleased to be supporting PureHealth in its foundational steps towards its Net Zero 2040 journey and the UAE’s broader sustainability vision.

“PureHealth’s commitment to pursuing sustainable healthcare is to be congratulated, as we are confident this partnership can deliver measurable impact as we strive to set a new benchmark for optimisation excellence in the region.”

The project builds on a year of strong sustainability progress for PureHealth. In 2024, the group recorded a 37% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity against its 2022 baseline, representing a 9% year-on-year decrease. PureHealth also achieved a provisional MSCI AAA rating, a Sustainalytics “Low Risk” climate score, and recognition among Refinitiv / LSEG’s Top 50 Global ESG-rated healthcare companies. 

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