CO2 emission reduction, loads analysis, and strategies for new healthcare facilities design – Application on a case study

Abstract

To understand the “Zero Emission Building” goal introduced by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) revision, it is certainly important to define its scope, since different considerations must be made for buildings with different uses, characteristics and locations. In this paper, the case study of a new construction hospital building is analysed, bringing attention to two main aspects: the correct identification of energy needs of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems; Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design strategies aimed at minimizing CO2 emissions. To pursue these objectives, the hourly trends of energy consumption are examined, focusing on the interpretation of their distribution, the main influencing variables and on the distribution of such energy consumption among the different utilities of the analysed system. It is opinion of the authors that this in-depth study is preparatory to the proper MEP design of the systems: in fact, by knowing the most energyconsuming users and the distribution of heating and cooling loads during the year, it is possible to identify the optimal design strategies and generation technologies to reduce the consumption of Primary Non-Renewable Energy. In this regard, the choice of an ap-propriate calculation model is highlighted as crucial. Possible design strategies related to the case study under consideration are analysed in this paper, ultimately exposing the general considerations regarding the ZEB issue in the hospital setting.