Paving the Way Towards Zero Energy Hospitals in the Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Hospitals and clinics are considered as one of the most complex systems, as they host several energy intensive functions (HVAC under strict comfort conditions, high hot water demand, etc.) and need to be thoroughly studied in terms of their energy performance, so as to develop a nearly Zero Energy definition for healthcare facilities for the EU countries. By improving their energy performance will have a crucial impact in meeting the EU long-term goal (2050), which is to achieve a reduction of the CO2 emissions of 85% with respect the 1990 levels. Healthcare facilities in Cyprus are responsible for more than 8% of the total energy consumption in the tertiary sector, while being the third most energy intensive use after restaurants and shopping malls. In this paper, the energy profile of five (5) private hospitals/clinics will be presented. Shortcomings regarding their energy performance will be discussed and potential improvements will be proposed. The questionnaires used for the energy assessment of the buildings were developed under the ZenH Balkan Project, which is funded by the European Union. The ZenH Balkan project aims to facilitate the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) by defining the characteristics and Standards for Zero Energy Hospitals in the South Balkan region. Thus, it will contribute towards improved energy efficiency in the building sector by producing benchmarks and design guidelines for Zero Energy Hospitals. It aspires to improve the technical capacity of professional groups and government officials towards the nearly zero energy buildings (nZEBs) notion. Selected hospital buildings will be investigated in depth and cost-effective studies will prepare them to seek financial tools for their implementation. The results obtained during the first phase of the Project in Cyprus, aiming at documenting the existing energy performance of healthcare facilities, demonstrated the high reliance of the facilities on electricity, mainly due to space cooling and the overall low incorporation of renewable energy systems for energy production.