OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of energy audit as a management tool in primary care to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of a health center by reducing its operating costs. METHOD: We conducted 55 energy audits in health centers from 2005-2010. The health centers were sized between 500 and 3,500 m(2), were located in health areas with 3,500 to 25,000 users, and were built between 1985 and 2007. RESULTS: With an average investment of 11,601 € per site, energy consumption can be reduced by 10,801 kWh per year, saving 2,961 € with a mean payback period of 3.92 years, and preventing emission of 7,010 kg of CO(2). CONCLUSIONS: Energy auditing is a practical tool to reduce the operating and maintenance costs of health centers and of improving the comfort of the facilities.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of energy audit as a management tool in primary care to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of a health center by reducing its operating costs. METHOD: We conducted 55 energy audits in health centers from 2005-2010. The health centers were sized between 500 and 3,500 m(2), were located in health areas with 3,500 to 25,000 users, and were built between 1985 and 2007. RESULTS: With an average investment of 11,601 € per site, energy consumption can be reduced by 10,801 kWh per year, saving 2,961 € with a mean payback period of 3.92 years, and preventing emission of 7,010 kg of CO(2). CONCLUSIONS:Energy auditing is a practical tool to reduce the operating and maintenance costs of health centers and of improving the comfort of the facilities.
Authors: Gonzalo Sánchez-Barroso; Jaime González-Domínguez; Justo García-Sanz-Calcedo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-04-13 Impact factor: 3.390