A study conducted by a research team at the University of Washington, titled Targeting 100!, identifies a process for newly constructed hospitals that integrates architectural, mechanical and central plant systems to reduce energy consumption by an average of 62 percent.
The biggest breakthrough comes from addressing the reheating of centrally-cooled air, which is the largest contributor to wasted energy in a hospital, representing more than 40 percent of annual heating energy usage. By combining energy-reduction design solutions – including sun and daylight shading controls, vacant room sensors, outdoor air supply with heat recovery systems, modified air delivery systems, thermal energy storage, and improved air-tightness and high insulation values in windows and walls – a newly constructed, code-compliant hospital in the range of Targeting 100! saves between $500,000 and $800,000 a year in energy costs.
Read more at Energy Manager Today.
