Net Zero Emissions and Resilient Hospitals: Considerations of future climate, pandemics, and demand management

Energy is essential to ensure safe and reliable healthcare delivery. As detailed
in our previous reports, the healthcare industry uses a lot of energy due to the
nature of its operation and healthcare needs. This energy use has impacts
on both environmental and financial sustainability. Public hospitals can be the
largest single emitter and energy user in Australia’s public service portfolio, as
well as representing the largest single budget portion. For example, over 30%
of Queensland’s state budget is typically assigned to public hospitals.
The purpose of this project is to assist healthcare facility asset managers in designing, operating and managing their building and energy infrastructure
assets. The project focuses on future proofing facilities through (i) simulating the impact of future climates on thermal demand, HVAC performance and renewable energy potential; (ii) evaluating the impact of HVAC operation in response to COVID-19 management; and (iii) assessing the feasibility of hospital participation in demand response markets. This report also includes four case studies that were undertaken as part of the Queensland Children’s Hospital Living Lab project activities. This report, and the companion report Renewable Energy and Enabling Technologies Roadmap for Healthcare, can be used to inform and update guidelines and processes for the design, refurbishment and operation of both public and private healthcare facilities.