Reducing greenhouse gases and operating costs in hospitals (press release from AHQ )
The Association des h么pitaux du Qu茅bec bestows two awards for excellence in energy efficiency management.
The Association des h么pitaux du Qu茅bec (AHQ), in collaboration with the Agence de l鈥檈fficacit茅 茅nerg茅tique du Qu茅bec, bestowed two awards for excellence in energy efficiency management today, during the SAN-TECH 2004 Colloquium-Trade Show it organized. Awarded for a second year by the AHQ and its partners, these awards recognize excellence in energy management by an institution in a specific project and in a multi-year program.
The 平特五不中 Health Centre (MUHC) won the award in the Innovative energy efficiency project category, thanks to major innovations at the Royal Victoria and Montreal Children鈥檚 hospitals. By commissioning a reputed firm, the Soci茅t茅 de contr么les Johnson SEC, which guaranteed self-financing over five years as well as the model鈥檚 technical safety, the MUHC completed an energy efficiency project that lead to savings of close to $1 million right from its first year.
Furthermore, by installing extremely efficient coil boilers, replacing obsolete cooled steam production equipment with high-performance units, implementing an energy efficiency awareness program for staff, and training technical services employees, the institution was able to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 32%.
The recipient of the award for the multi-year program was the Complexe hospitalier de la Sagamie. In the past ten years, the hospital鈥檚 technical services department was able to implement innovative and technological solutions to significantly reduce energy costs for the hospital鈥檚 two buildings. By relying on its staff, which was encouraged to take the necessary training, the Complexe hospitalier de la Sagamie implemented a structured preventive maintenance program, and centralized its mechanical and electrical control systems.
Without the help of outside firms, this hospital carried out different projects focusing on heat recovery from condensates and air conditioning condensers, efficient lighting, electrical load-shedding, using off-peak electrical power, and reducing the temperature and air flow rates. In total, over a period of ten years, and despite an increase in electricity rates of over 25%, the hospital was able to cut consumption by over 31%, leading to savings of about $3 million.
"The AHQ and the Agence d鈥檈fficacit茅 茅nerg茅tique du Qu茅bec applaud the creativity and skill of the hospital network鈥檚 technical managers who, in spite of budget constraints and antiquated buildings, were able to innovate, and get outstanding results", noted Daniel Adam, executive vice-president of the AHQ. "This second edition of the energy efficiency management awards showcases particularly eloquent accomplishments that others could emulate in managing healthcare institutions in a more efficient and environmentally-friendly manner."