These systems, when installed, can save up to 35% of the energy of traditional, constant volume HVAC systems. In addition, payback on a tracking VAV system is often only a few years, a good investment given that many HVAC systems must last for decades and hospital buildings are built for half a century or more. And, since hospitals are energy-intensive and operate 24/7, energy costs tend to add up.
What's more, the HVAC system will soon be connected to the patient electronic system, which is installed and integrated with the 42 flat-screen TVs installed in the hospital's patient rooms. This system, which includes an infection-resistant full keyboard and touchpad, will soon allow patients to order food, access the internet, and change the temperature settings for their rooms by themselves. Staff will also be able to access medical records-including visual data such as MRIs-right at the patient's bedside, when and where the data is needed.
Many hospitals are looking to sustainable features and green building techniques to save money and create healthier hospitals. El Camino Hospital is going one step further, integrating energy-efficient systems with other high-tech electronic systems to save energy and money, while still improving the patient experience and staff efficiency. HBI
Jon Inman is the Healthcare Sector Lead for Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch (M+NLB), a full-service mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology engineering consulting and design firm.For more information please visit http://www.mazzetti.com.
Healthcare Building Ideas 2010 Summer;7(3):18-19
