Multi-criteria decision-making approach for energy-efficient renovation strategies in hospital wards: Balancing energy, economic, and thermal comfort

Abstract

The evaluation of benefits derived from energy-saving renovation schemes plays a crucial role in the implementation of energy policies. Hospital buildings, due to their specific nature, require energy-saving renovations that place a greater emphasis on enhancing air quality and providing occupants with a comfortable environment. This requirement significantly sets them apart from other types of buildings, necessitating the consideration of investors' preferences when making decisions regarding renovation plans. This study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making method to aid investors in selecting the most optimal renovation strategy for hospital wards, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, economic viability, and thermal comfort. To demonstrate the practicality of the proposed method, a case study was conducted in a hospital ward. The results indicate that green roofs yield the highest economic benefits, with an expected net present value of 47,359.38 yuan and an anticipated payback period of only 5.3 years. The replacement of high-performance windows is not financially feasible. However, upon simultaneous consideration of other renovation measures, the replacement of high-performance windows becomes a viable option due to investors' willingness to invest in energy-efficient and comfortable solutions, even if the economic benefits of such a scheme are not optimal. This study offers a comprehensive decision-making approach for energy-saving renovation strategies in hospital wards, providing valuable insights to investors in selecting the most suitable energy-saving renovation plan.