As buildings age, facades and systems start to degrade, leading to decreased thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), and wasted energy, according to an article on the Facility Executive website.
Retrofitting a building enclosure can bring energy savings, improved appearance, and uninterrupted workflow for occupants. A hospital is a good candidate because of the need to meet up-to-date regulations and compliance codes.
Poor thermal performance and poor indoor air quality can lower the quality of patient care, the article said. Ventilation systems must perform at optimal levels or mold can grow in high humidity areas, compromising the health of the facility occupants.
To ensure energy efficiency, a hospital retrofit should include overhauling the HVAC system, updating energy draining lights, and renovating its building envelope.
Building Sustainable Healthcare for an Aging Population
Froedtert ThedaCare Announces Opening of ThedaCare Medical Center-Oshkosh
Touchmark Acquires The Hacienda at Georgetown Senior Living Facility
Contaminants Under Foot: A Closer Look at Patient Room Floors
Power Outages Largely Driven by Extreme Weather Events