Hospitals need to achieve great reductions in energy consumptions and CO2 emissions for existing as well as new buildings to fulfill upcoming requirements for the European Union directive on nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). This is a...
moreHospitals need to achieve great reductions in energy consumptions and CO2 emissions for existing as well as new buildings to fulfill upcoming requirements for the European Union directive on nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). This is a great challenge because realizing energy reduction within a hospital compared to an office has a by far lower priority. Consequently, in hospitals, less data about energy consumption and building services operation is available. The case study VU Medical Center (VUmc) Amsterdam was analyzed and the energy saving potential (achievable in the outpatient departments of the Policlinic) identified. A three-step methodology was used: (1) in-depth analysis of case study, (2) development of a nZEB-design approach and (3) energy simulations. The analysis revealed that little attention is directed on energy performance and monitoring activity of buildings. Application of the proposed approach resulted in a top five of energy saving measures. According to VABI Elements© building energy simulations, significant (27%) energy savings can be achieved and indoor comfort can be improved by upgrading building envelope, HVAC system and applying occupancy-dependent controls.
