Energy savings solutions for five Hospitals in Europe

This work is the result of a European research project developed by the University of Florence - Centro ABITA, adopting energy savings strategies to reduce the annual energy demand in new and retrofitted Hospital buildings. The research project, EU funded, aims to apply energy savings strategies, advanced technologies and plant solutions in five case studies in different climatic areas of Europe: Meyer Children hospital in Italy, Fachkrankenhaus Nordfriesland in Germany, City Hospital Torun in Poland, Deventer Hospital in the Netherland and Aabenraa Hospital in Denmark. The research aims to demonstrate substantial opportunity to reduce energy demand in the European hospital sector, thus contributing to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. The main goal is the integration of strategies for energy efficiency in the hospital sector, in compliance with current regulations, improving environmental quality and the ecosystem, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. Innovative strategies for the integration of renewable energies in buildings have been combined with bioclimatic design for improving building control and management, upgrading energy efficiency, thermal control and comfort, natural ventilation and daylighting. Moreover, use of photovoltaic modules, high efficiency heat pumps, integration with the surrounding green areas and use of vegetation inside the building, are developed as opportunities to both reduce energy demand and improve patient comfort. At the end of the project, the research group provides an overview of the results achieved on indoor comfort, energy saving and CO2 not emitted through the energy solutions adopted.