About energy efficiency in Moroccan health care buildings

Abstract

The government of Morocco aims to reach 20% energy savings by 2030 according to the National energy strategy. For this purpose, energy reforms to make energy efficiency a priority by adopting legislation that imposes mandatory energy audits, energy labeling of devices, thermal building regulations and other initiatives have been launched recently. This paper suggests a scientific approach aiming at improving energy performance indicators of Moroccan hospitals especially by developing a good practices guide to implement energy efficiency in these facilities. The research methodology chosen is based on analyzing of available energy performance indicators and comparing them with other similar context. The results from findings indicate that the energy efficiency strategy is in its beginning. In Morocco, the old hospitals were generally designed and built according only to the care criteria without taking into account the energy performance approach. Hence, these choices often lead to significant un-optimized energy consumption. Therefore, the energy consumptions were not the object of particular attention and the needs, no longer mastered, resulting in significant costs to the detriment of care. The objective is to evaluate through a benchmark the corresponding savings potential. Another goal is to define factors that significantly impact energy performance whether they are static factors or relevant variables. All phases of a hospital project should be considered: Design, implementation, operation and maintenance. The desired energy performance must preserve or even improve the comfort of patients and medical staff, the continuity of service and the level of hygiene and safety.