The Energy Performance of Hospital Buildings in the South Balkan Region: The Prospects for Zero-Energy Hospitals

Abstract

AbstractOne of the basic energy objectives of EU is to decouple energy consumption from economic development. There is considerable work in EU countries on the definition of nearly zero-energy buildings but there is still lack of information for hospital buildings. Hospital buildings are considered complex systems as they are hosting several energy-intensive functions (HVAC under strict comfort conditions, high hot water demand, lighting, kitchen facilities, etc.). In the work discussed in this chapter, the energy performance of hospital building in the South Balkan region is assessed based on data collected in the frame of the ZenH project. The project aims to facilitate the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) by defining the characteristics for zero-energy hospitals (ZenH) in the South Balkan region. The ZenH project is supported by the INTERREG Balkan-Mediterranean programme, funded by the European Commission. Data from three countries, Greece, Cyprus and Albania are assessed. The research indicates the great challenge for interventions to improve the energy performance of buildings and their upgrading into nZEB Hospitals.KeywordsZenHZero-energy hospitalsEnergy performance