System optimization for outpatient healthcare facilities
Operation Factors Can Lower Cost. Beyond the facility design, operational factors can yield major cost savings. Design practices, such as low-pressure drop filtering systems, premium efficiency motors, and right-sized distribution systems, impact lifelong costs to the building. In the University of Nebraska example, “putting the building to sleep” during off-hours reduced energy costs. If building codes allow for this type of design, the administration will appreciate the efficient use of resources that impact the bottom line. The university’s in-house control group has been integral to designing a solution that sleeps during off hours but is immediately available when needed. By integrating energy efficiency with the building controls, the project team has created a system that manages the building based on occupancy. The automated system senses peak hours of occupancy but is capable of overriding these controls when necessary.