Diagnostic methodology based on LEED system for energy and environmental evaluation of healthcare facilities

Abstract

Hospitals consume large amounts of energy because they are open 24 hours a day, thousands of people occupy the buildings daily, and many energy intensive activities occur in these buildings. To evaluate the energy and environmental aspects of healthcare facilities we developed a diagnostic methodology based on Energy and Atmosphere category of LEED rating system. This methodology was applied in five large hospitals and we found that there is a lack of actions that can be taken to improve energy efficiency in hospitals and therefore there is a great potential for savings in these facilities.