Kuakini Medical Center

Overview

Kuakini Medical Center needed to replace aging critical infrastructure while continuing to invest in patient care. With limited ability to take on new debt, the hospital needed a financing solution that allowed it to move forward without a large upfront investment. Through Metrus' Sustainable Energy Services Agreement (SESA), Kuakini modernized critical systems while preserving funding for other healthcare priorities.

The Story

Kuakini sought to modernize critical infrastructure by replacing aging chillers, improving building systems, and enhancing operational reliability throughout the hospital. New equipment would reduce downtime risk, improve system redundancy, and create a safer, more comfortable environment for patients and staff.

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Because the hospital needed to avoid a major capital expenditure, we structured Hawaii's first efficiency project financed through a SESA. We funded 100% of project development and implementation, allowing Kuakini to preserve capital while realizing immediate operational, financial, and environmental benefits with minimal disruption to hospital operations.

The Upshot

The project modernized critical hospital infrastructure while preserving capital for Kuakini's core healthcare mission and continues to generate more than $1.1 million in annual savings. Higher-efficiency cooling systems improved operational reliability and helped the hospital exceed Joint Commission requirements for humidity and temperature control in sterile areas and operating rooms. Patients and staff also benefited from improved comfort throughout the facility.

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The project also reduces electricity consumption by approximately 3.46 million kWh each year. During the SESA term, additional lighting upgrades were seamlessly incorporated into the agreement, demonstrating the flexibility to expand project scope as organizational needs evolve.

“Metrus handles the financial and technical issues of making our hospital more energy efficient, allowing us to focus on providing high-quality patient care.”

— Gregg Oishi, Chief Financial Officer, Kuakini Medical Center