A high-performance central energy plant (CEP) has been called the best strategy for lowering operational costs at a healthcare facility, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management magazine website.
Energy savings of up to 60 percent are possible and sustainability benchmarks can be met, the article said, but it takes planning.
Several preliminary activities should be done before starting a CEP project, according to the article. The health organization should have a strategic master facilities plan in which a central plant retrofit or new central plant project has been researched and funded.
Also, objectives and performance metrics should be established including targeting energy savings versus a baseline and targeting performance in U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) ratings.
Read the article.
Balancing Act: Designing for Safety and Flexibility
Methodist Healthcare Breaks Ground on Methodist ER Medina Valley
Fire Protection in Healthcare: Why Active and Passive Systems Must Work as One
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings