Gweru– The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has completed an energy-efficient LED lighting retrofit at Gweru Provincial Hospital, significantly enhancing energy savings and sustainability. This $79,435 project replaced 2,871 outdated lighting units with energy-efficient LED lights, expected to cut the hospital’s energy consumption by 10% and reduce its carbon footprint.
LED lighting, known for being 85% more energy-efficient than traditional lighting, offers a longer lifespan, minimal maintenance, and lower operational costs. The retrofit improves illumination levels from a substandard 12–33 lux to 50–400 lux indoors and 25 lux for outdoor areas, meeting international hospital lighting standards. This advancement enhances safety, supports patient care, and ensures 100% lighting functionality across all hospital departments.
Energy Minister Edgar Moyo lauded ZERA’s efforts during the project’s commissioning, highlighting its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping Zimbabwe achieve its climate targets of a 40% per capita emissions reduction. ZERA Board Chair Dr. David Madzikanda emphasized that lighting accounted for 22% of the hospital’s electrical load, with prior inefficiencies inflating electricity costs and compromising service delivery.
This project not only raises awareness about energy-efficient technologies but aligns with the government’s demand-side management initiatives. Following retrofits at three other hospitals, ZERA plans to upgrade six more provincial hospitals over the next three years.
