High Performance Buildings Case Study: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) knew that it had no control
over utility rates, but that it did have control over its energy use.
The hospital sought to identify and implement energy conservation
measures (ECMs) to reduce costs, in alignment with its mission to
provide quality patient care as efficiently as possible.
The High Performance Buildings Journey
CRMH set out to identify low cost energy conservation measures
(ECMs) that could be implemented to reduce its energy use and carbon
footprint, lower costs for patients and provide a positive return on
their investment. Due to increasing demands, hospital staff were
unable to focus on the impact of their actions on energy use, the
environment and the bottom line.
Based on a relationship
that spanned over 20 years, Trane had extensive knowledge of CRMH
operations, business goals and infrastructure needs. CRMH and the Trane High Performance Building team developed a
partnership to address the energy and operational objectives of the
hospital, utilizing an annual performance-based service
agreement.
Identifying potential savings, Trane initiated
a process to identify and quantify potential improvements. The ECM
process is based on Six Sigma methodology, which takes critical
factors such as saving potential, practicality, commercial viability
and risk management into consideration.
Energy
consumption was benchmarked, plans were developed and ECMs were
identified. Trane and CRMH evaluated the ECMs and developed a top
project list.
Results
Carilion implemented a high performance building solution to
reduce its energy use and environmental footprint and lower costs for
patients. Over 25 ECMs were implemented, including chilled water plant
flow issue minimization, chiller plant automation, controls
programming and flat plate heat exchanger modifications.
These and other measures delivered almost $275,000 in first-year
energy savings and reduced carbon emissions by an estimated 2,214
tons.
"You can make a huge difference with energy
conservation," said Johnny Morris, senior director of
engineering, Carilion Clinic. "For every dollar saved, that’s
money you can put back into your operation to give people a good place
to go for their healthcare...why would you not do it?" - See more
at: http://blog.trane.com/blog/highperformancebuildings/high-performance-buildings-case-study-carilion-roanoke-memorial-hospital#sthash.zssBXAAE.dpuf
