1. Energy-Saving Solutions for Five Hospitals in Europe

This chapter is the result of a European research project developed by the University of Florence – Centro ABITA on adopting energy-saving strategies to reduce the annual energy demand in new and retrofitted hospital buildings. The research project, which is funded by the European Union, aims to apply energy-saving strategies, advanced technologies and plant solutions in five case studies in different climatic areas of Europe: Meyer Children’s Hospital in Italy, Fachkrankenhaus Nordfriesland Hospital in Germany, Torun City Hospital in Poland, Deventer Hospital in the Netherlands, and Aabenraa Hospital in Denmark. The research aims to demonstrate the significant opportunity to reduce energy demand in the European hospital sector, thereby contributing to a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions. The main goal is the integration of strategies for energy efficiency in the hospital sector, in compliance with current regulations, improving environmental quality and ecosystems and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. Innovative strategies for the integration of renewable energies in buildings are combined with bioclimatic design to improve building control and management, upgrading energy efficiency, thermal control and comfort, natural ventilation, and daylighting. Moreover, the use of photovoltaic modules, high-efficiency heat pumps, integration with surrounding green areas, and the use of vegetation inside buildings are explored as opportunities to both reduce energy demand and improve patient comfort. At the end of the project, the researchers provide an overview of the results achieved on indoor comfort, energy savings, and CO₂ not emitted through the energy solutions adopted.