Achieving Net-Zero Energy

Historically high energy users, hospitals do have a pathway to net-zero energy

October 2, 2020

Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive facilities. Large in size and capacity, hospitals address diverse needs that require round-the-clock use. This means inevitable energy use which often results in lofty and overlooked consumption, according to an article from Building Operating Management  on the FacilitiesNet website.

The typical hospital has an average of 235 EUI (the average office building uses just 53 EUI). More than half of this energy in hospitals is for HVAC systems for infection control and comfort. Cooking for patient meal service and on-site cafeterias represents another significant energy use, as do lighting, computers and medical equipment needed to operate 24/7 in the hospital environment.

Energy solutions come in two varieties: the demand side and the supply side. 

The demand side is the on-site consumption and management of energy, that is, the amount of energy a hospital uses day-to-day. Think lighting, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. In a hospital where care is 24/7/365, the demand for continuous energy is high. 

The supply side is how energy is created, and the ability to fulfill the energy demand. This includes any on-site electric generation (for example, roof-mounted solar panels) or subscribing to a large-scale, community-wide energy generation program.  

To achieve a net-zero structure requires a holistic approach addressing both the supply and demand sides of energy. Achieving a net-zero rating for hospitals is rare in the modern market and requires diligence and creativity. The best strategy is to minimize consumption first, on the demand side, and then generate the necessary energy in a clean, renewable way, on the supply side. Energy use by considering the needs of specialized spaces as well as building codes and requirements will lead to a more efficient plan and ease the strain on the supply side. 

Read the full article.




See the latest posts on our homepage Share

Topic Area: Energy and Power


Recent Posts
Recent Posts

Benefits of Automatic Doors in Senior Care Facilities


From ease of access to wander management, automatic doors offer several benefits for senior care facilities.

3/23/2023

NorthStar Hit with Data Security Incident


The incident may have impacted data belonging to certain current and former patients.

3/23/2023

Hand Hygiene Guidelines Updated


There are two new recommendations on how to improve hand hygiene.

3/23/2023

UCI Health's Efforts to Heal the Environment


Green efforts have targeted sustainable electricity, reduced medical gas use and electric grounds equipment.

3/22/2023

Protecting Patients During Hospital Renovations


LEMOINE decided to look for a quicker, easier, and more cost-effective solution to separate construction areas from the hospital's patient-occupied areas.

3/22/2023






FREE
NEWSLETTER

News & Updates • Webcast Alerts • Building Technologies

All fields are required.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.



You Might Like