Detecting deficiencies using building performance data in healthcare facilities: Improving operational efficiency with Continuous Commissioning®

The Continuous Commissioning (R) version of the Existing Building Commissioning process was implemented in three large hospitals and optimized the HVAC operations to improve their energy use while maintaining comfort without any capital system investment. In the hospitals studied, measures accounting for 64% of the total annual commissioning cost savings of $592,816 were identified by analyzing trend data. Trend analysis of AHU ON/OFF status, economizer, outside air damper position, supply air temperature, and supply air static pressure corresponded to 51%, 8%, 5%, 31%, and 4% of the total projected savings, respectively. The use of trend analysis identified measures in the three case-study hospitals that are projected to reduce the EUI of the three hospitals by 16%, 21% and 19% respectively, even though the average consumption of the three hospitals was below the 5th percentile of hospital consumption. The availability and use of trend data in these facilities saved time in identifying these operational improvements and likely identified some improvements that would not have been identified using manual diagnostic techniques. Continuous engagement of this low cost and resource-intensive analysis tool can significantly reduce the operational costs for facilities. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The Continuous Commissioning (R) process was implemented in three large hospitals to optimize HVAC operations and improve energy efficiency without capital investment, resulting in significant cost savings. Trend analysis can identify measures for operational improvements and help reduce energy intensity in hospitals.