/ en Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:12:15 -0500 Mon, 02 Dec 24 16:16:53 -0600 /foreword-and-executive-summary-electrifying-heat-existing-hospital <div class="raw-html-embed"> </div><div> #main-content p, #main-content ol>li, #main-content ul>li{ font-size:16px } </div> .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar { position: relative; display: block; overflow: hidden; max-width: 1170px; margin: 0px auto 0px auto; } .LogoInsert { position: absolute; top: 0px; height:100%; left:0px; } .LogoInsert img{ max-width:500px; max-height:125px; top:calc(50% - 125px/2); left:calc(100% + 50px); position:absolute; } .LogoInsert h1{ position:absolute; left:0px; bottom:0px; width:500px; opacity:0; margin: 0px; padding: 0; } @media (max-width:640px) { .LogoBG { object-fit: cover; height: 200px; } .LogoInsert img { max-width: 250px; left: calc(100% + 15px); top: calc(50% - 112px/2); background-color: #00584499; padding: 25px; border-radius: 30px 0px; } } @media (max-width:320px) { .LogoBG { height: 150px; } } <header class="Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar"><img class="LogoBG" src="/sites/default/files/2023-03/sustainability-roadmap-web-home-banner-1170x250.jpg" alt="Banner Image - Glass Earth sitting in a hand over tall grass"><div class="LogoInsert"><img src="/sites/default/files/2023-03/SustainabilityRoadmap_Logo_Hor-white_700x217.png" alt="Sustainability Roadmap for Health Care | Achieving Your Sustainability Goals - Logo"></div></header> .shcIntro{ background-color:#78be2022; padding: 5px 50px 15px 50px; margin-bottom:20px; } .shcIntro h1, .shcIntro h2, .shcIntro h3 { color: #005844; text-align: center; } .shcIntro h1{ font-size:2em; } .shcIntro h2{ font-size:1.6em; } shcIntro ul{ color: grey; } <div class="shcIntro"><h1>Foreword and Executive Summary - Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital</h1><h2>Providence St. Peter Hospital Decarbonization Case Study</h2></div><div class="raw-html-embed"> <div class="row"> /* TocMini */ .TocMini { margin: 0px auto 25px; padding-bottom: 5px; color: #005844; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 400; font-size: .7em; width: 80%; } .TocMini .TocMiniBar { border: 1px solid #78be20; padding: 5px 10px; overflow: auto; border-radius: 20px 0px; } .TocMini .TocMiniBar .TocMiniGroup a:after { content: "|"; padding: 0 3px 0 6px; color: #253b80; font-weight: 700; } .TocMini .TocMiniBar .TocMiniGroup a:last-child:after { content: ""; } .TocMini .TocMiniGroup { float: right; } .TocMini .TocMiniHome { text-transform: uppercase; color: #005844; 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} .shcHighlight span{ font-weight:700; color:#78be20; } <div class="row shcHighlight BulletCircle"><div class="col-sm-3"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/12/Electrifying-Heat-in-an-Existing-Hospital_Foreward_ExecutiveSummary.pdf" target="_blank" title="Download Executive Summary: Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital Providence St. Peter Hospital Decarbonization Case Study"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-12/Electrifying-Heat-in-an-Existing-Hospital_COVER_300x300.png" alt="Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital - Cover" width="100%"> </a></p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="/system/files/media/file/2024/12/Electrifying-Heat-in-an-Existing-Hospital_Foreward_ExecutiveSummary.pdf" target="_blank" title="Download Executive Summary: Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital Providence St. Peter Hospital Decarbonization Case Study">Download Executive Summary</a></p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://ams.aha.org/EWEB/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=ProdDetailAdd&ivd_prc_prd_key=7c7e2358-16cd-4910-99f7-174d8452884c" target="_blank" title="Purchase the full, Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital - Case Study">Purchase Full Case Study</a></p></div><div class="col-sm-9"><h3>Foreword</h3><p>Recognizing the growing interest in decarbonizing the health care sector, the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) sought to support its members wishing to decarbonize their facilities, and in April 2023 ASHE began discussions with Providence about the need for a comprehensive case study to examine the feasibility of decarbonizing an existing hospital building. There had been extensive effort on guidance for decarbonizing new hospital buildings, but little information was available about the decarbonization of an existing hospital building. Additionally, there was speculation about the feasibility of decarbonizing an existing hospital from a technical and financial perspective.</p><p>As ASHE explored the concept of sponsoring a case study and investigating the feasibility of decarbonizing an existing hospital building, Providence was identified as a key partner due to its leadership in environmental sustainability and its desire to share lessons learned broadly with the field. Providence St. Peter Hospital (PSPH), a community hospital in Olympia, Wash., was selected for the case study project. The hospital is 733,000 square feet and has 372 licensed beds, and its first phase was built in 1969 during the Hill-Burton era when thousands of health care facilities were built nationwide. Geographical location and climate were considered when selecting a case study hospital and the mild climate of Olympia, Wash., was considered appropriate since it represents a baseline case study demonstrating the feasibility of decarbonizing in a temperate geographical location. In addition, the fact that PSPH was ahead of many others on its journey toward decarbonization was considered. The hospital has robust utility and building metering and utilizes 100% renewable power. As a health care system, Providence has developed a climate action plan that incorporates decarbonization strategies for anesthetic gases, transportation, waste and electricity. For PSPH, the missing piece from the overall decarbonization strategy was the thermal energy load. For that reason, the ASHE study investigated decarbonizing the thermal load specifically.</p></div> @media (min-width:768px){ .column2{ column-count: 2; } } <div class="col-sm-12 column2"><p><strong>The research for the case study took place over a year, and there were several key takeaways identified.</strong> <strong>First</strong>, it is technically feasible for PSPH to decarbonize the thermal load. However, due to the nature of the hospital as a patient care environment and the need for normal operations, it will take 10 to 15 years to achieve carbon neutrality for the thermal load. This is an important factor because it demonstrates the need for careful planning and early preparation as organizations seek to decarbonize.</p><p><strong>Second</strong>, for this hospital it is financially feasible to decarbonize the thermal load. The study estimated that full electrification of the thermal load would cost around $100/square foot in capital expenditures. Several financial mechanisms are available today that might help PSPH move forward with electrification, such as the incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.</p><p><strong>Finally</strong>, it is noteworthy that technologies for decarbonization are emerging, continually changing and moving very quickly. Equipment that is on the cutting edge today will be out of circulation by the time the thermal system is fully electrified. This is a critical consideration and emphasizes the need to plan early and be mindful that technologies will shift.</p><p><strong>The case study provides a detailed outline of the steps one hospital is taking to achieve this feat. Yet, to be clear, this publication is not intended to be a playbook for electrifying any given hospital, nor is it meant to be a benchmark by which other hospitals pursuing this goal should be measured.</strong> The path to complete electrification is an extremely complex and bespoke process. Each electrification plan must be tailored to the specific goals of a given health care facility or system as well as regulatory requirements that govern that facility and the needs of the communities it serves.</p></div><div class="col-sm-12"><p>As a mechanical engineer who has built my career around environmental stewardship and sustainability in health care, this case study project, while a huge endeavor, was also a labor of love and a pleasure to be a part of. I would like to thank Fred Betz, Ph.D., for his tireless effort in leading the study as well as other contributors including Peter Dahl, define sustainability; Sagar Rao, NeuMod Labs; Walt Vernon, Mazzetti; and Kyle Victor, McKinstry. Other key contributors include Yousif Alshaba, Scott Acker and Mark Thynes, McKinstry; Jennifer Ashlock, Puget Sound Energy; Jeff Probst, Konvekta; and Tom Gelin, Air Flow, Inc. A huge thank you goes to the Providence Southwest Washington Foundation’s Environmental Stewardship Fund and the Washington State Society for Healthcare Engineering, whose gracious donations to support this important study ensured its completion. I would also like to thank my friends at Providence, including Ali Santore, Elizabeth Schenk, Ph.D., Dave Thomsen and Geoffrey Glass, for their leadership and commitment to the project. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the PSPH facilities team, including Clay Ciolek and Gregory Pries, whose dedication and expertise proved exceedingly valuable.</p><p>It is my hope that this case study will serve as a success story, meant to inspire and demonstrate that this feat, which not so long ago seemed impossible, might be, in fact, within reach. If hospital electrification were a competitive sport, PSPH would be an Olympic gold medalist. No doubt, the hospital’s incredible efforts have set a new standard and raised the caliber of what is possible in sustainability. While not every hospital can be held to the standard set by PSPH, their example should encourage more health care facilities to try. As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats.</p><p><cite>Kara Brooks, MS, LEED AP BD+C, Senior associate director of sustainability, AHA </cite></p></div></div> .shcItems{ border: solid 2px #005844; padding-top: 25px; padding-bottom: 25px; border-radius: 75px 0px; /*margin-top:50px;*/ margin-bottom:50px; padding-left:25px; padding-right:25px; } .shcItems h2{ text-align:center; color:#005844; /* margin-bottom:50px;*/ } .shcItems h3{ color:#005844; text-align:center; font-size:28px; } .shcItems h4{ color:#78be20; } .shcItems .shcItemsLine { border-bottom:solid 1px #78be20; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:50px; } .BulletCircle ul { list-style: none; /* Remove default bullets */ padding-left: 0px } .BulletCircle ul li { margin-bottom: 7px; line-height: 1.5em; } .BulletCircle ul li::before { content: "●"; font-size: 1em; position: relative; top: 0px; color:#78be20; text-indent: -20px; /* key property */ margin-left: 20px; /* key property */ padding-right:10px } .BulletCircle ul li { text-indent: -40px; /* key property */ margin-left: 30px; /* key property */ } .BulletCircle ol li::marker{ color: #78be20; font-weight:700; <div class="row" id="Summary"><div class="col-md-12 shcItems BulletCircle"><h3>Executive Summary</h3><p>The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) funded a decarbonization feasibility case study at Providence St. Peter Hospital (PSPH) in Olympia, Wash., with the goal of verifying the technical and financial feasibility of achieving Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon neutrality at PSPH.<sup>1</sup> This facility was selected as a typical large inpatient hospital that represents a reasonable reference for the health care industry. The operations and unique features of hospitals, such as requiring steam for sterilization, makes them more complex to electrify than many other commercial buildings.</p><p>Two major challenges are addressed in this study: (1) determining pathways to achieve electrification of the heating plant while maintaining a resilient supply of energy and supporting a full service of operations and (2) determining the impact on the electrical utility supply to achieve beneficial electrification. The goal for PSPH is to eliminate combustion-based Scope 1 emissions by electrifying the heating plant that currently exists: two dual-fueled boilers. This goal also includes discontinuing the natural gas supply to eliminate the associated upstream methane leaks and complements the 100% renewable electricity already being purchased by the hospital.</p><p>The approach to assessing and decarbonizing PSPH was to carefully analyze the existing conditions, the energy use and peak heating demand by end-use. The next step was to identify approaches to reduce heating loads through investments in certain technologies and account for the overall impact. A calibrated energy model was developed per ASHRAE Guideline 14, Measurement of Energy, Demand, and Water Savings, requirements to fill in any data gaps and to further support energy and financial analyses.<sup>2</sup> The recommended strategy is based on a systems-thinking approach to address as many demand-side energy savings measures as feasible to reduce the plant load. The installed heating capacity is 25 million British thermal units (Btu) per hour (MMBtu/hr) or 7,327 kilowatts (kW), and the measured peak load was 20 MMBtu/hr (5,861 kW), which can be reduced to 11 MMBtu/hr (3,224 kW) if all demand-side measures are implemented. The reduced heating load will enable greater flexibility on the heating hot water (HHW) distribution side in terms of smaller pipe sizes and lower temperatures. The target peak HHW temperature is 140 F to achieve efficient heat pump operation. However, this is dependent on the level of implementation of demand-side measures, especially on the envelope upgrades. Upon completion of the distribution system upgrades, the heating plant can be upgraded with air-source heat pumps as the primary source of thermal energy for normal operation and augmented with a heat recovery chiller and 100,000 gallons of HHW storage.</p><p><strong>The implementation of the decarbonization strategy will need to be phased and may take several years to implement depending on available resources.</strong></p><h4 class="text-align-center">The recommended phasing is as follows:</h4><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-6"><ul><li><strong>Demand-side upgrades (nine-year duration).</strong><ul><li>Implement air-side heat recovery upgrades.</li><li>Add insulation and glazing upgrades.</li><li>Upgrade process steam-using systems (kitchen and sterile processing areas).</li><li>Continue implementing other energy savings measures.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div class="col-sm-6"><ul><li><strong>Distribution system upgrades (one- to two-year duration).</strong><ul><li>Migrate loads to existing HHW pipes after demand-side upgrades are completed.</li><li>Replace steam pipes with HHW pipes (starting in springtime to have seven months of low heating demand before cold weather arrives in winter).</li></ul></li></ul></div></div><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-6"><ul><li><strong>Replace steam converters with heat exchangers for service hot water loops.</strong><ul><li>Add variable primary HHW pumping system.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div class="col-sm-6"><ul><li><strong>Plant system upgrades (three- to five-year duration).</strong><ul><li>Add a south expansion or penthouse to the central utility plant to house the air source heat pumps.</li><li>Upgrade electrical infrastructure, add generators and add generator jacket heat recovery.</li><li>Install air-source heat pumps.</li><li>Decommission boilers.</li><li>Install thermal storage or microgrid in boiler footprints.</li></ul></li></ul></div></div><div class="col-md-10 col-md-offset-1 shcItemsLine"> </div><div class="col-sm-6"><p>There are two somewhat unique features at PSPH that simplify the electrification and decarbonization process. First, the hospital does not have humidification due to the marine climate not requiring it. Relative humidity data was analyzed that demonstrated compliance with a minimum 30% relative humidity for all hours with excursions below 30% for less than 12 hours per year. The relative humidity did not fall below 20%. Second, the service hot water (SHW) system operates at 120 F, which simplifies serving the SHW from the HHW loop rather than either running a warmer HHW loop or applying a stand alone heat pump system. Although it is more common to operate SHW systems at 140 F per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, no legionella concerns have arisen at PSPH at the lower temperatures.</p></div><div class="col-sm-6"><p>The resilience strategy is to maintain on-site diesel fuel storage that can support generators and boilers in the near term. The generators will be upgraded to include engine jacket water heat recovery to support the heating demand during a power outage when the plant is upgraded. The heat recovery effectively turns the generators into a combined heat and power system providing both electrical and thermal energy to the hospital during outages. The boilers will stay in place until operational proficiency is achieved with the heat pump plant and generator heat recovery. Current testing and emergency power use accounts for approximately 4% of annual on-site combustion emissions. Resilience solutions such as thermal storage and microgrids will be reevaluated to replace the boilers as the technology matures.</p><p>Microgrids are being implemented in a few hospitals today that can be referenced for this study and should align with this project’s timeline. For now, on-site fuel storage is being accepted as a resilience solution as it is a small emission source due to few run hours and it assists in eliminating the natural gas connection that results in methane leaks.</p></div><div class="col-md-12"><p><strong>The study investigated four potential scenarios for the hospital between 2024 and 2041 based on a regulatory framework of the recently passed Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standard.</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Scenario 0</strong> is a business-as-usual case where the hospital accepts a onetime $7.5 million fine and makes incremental capital improvements over time.</li><li><strong>Scenario 1</strong> is the minimum disruption scenario that only replaces the existing dual-fuel boilers with two electric resistance boilers plus supporting generators and leaves the balance of the systems in place.</li><li><strong>Scenario 2</strong> implements demand-side energy savings measures on 100% outside air systems, electrified process loads with heat pumps or standalone electric boilers and a host of other demand-side energy savings measures. An air-source heat pump plant would then be implemented to support the 16 MMBtu/hr (4,689 kW) heating load.</li><li><strong>Scenario 3A</strong> adds envelope energy savings measures to replace single-pane windows and insulation to uninsulated or partially insulated walls. The envelope measures reduce the heating load to 11 MMBtu/hr (3,224 kW).</li><li><strong>Scenario 3B</strong> was broken out to isolate the impact of the insulation improvements as it is a costly upgrade with a poor return on investment.</li></ol><p>A third-party cost estimate was developed to inform the three decarbonization scenarios. A detailed list of systems, components and materials is described in Chapter 7, Capital Equipment and Costs. The capital cost for Scenario 1 was estimated to be $57,711,000, or $79/ft<sup>2</sup>, for Scenario 2 was estimated to be $62,171,000, or $85/ft<sup>2</sup>, for Scenario 3A was estimated to be $80,425,000, or $110/ft<sup>2</sup>, and for Scenario 3B was estimated to be $68,400,000, or $93/ft<sup>2</sup>. For reference, a full tenant improvement (TI) on a hospital is between $100/ft<sup>2</sup> and $150/ft<sup>2</sup>. However, the square footage is the entirety of the hospital or 733,000 ft<sup>2</sup>. Also, the TI is nearly exclusively focused on infrastructure enhancements, which is atypical for a TI.</p><p>A cost model using 2024 dollars was built for a 17-year time frame that compiled capital cost, energy cost and carbon fines using the cost estimate, energy models and an estimate of a future Olympia, Wash., carbon fine based on the current Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standard fine structure. The cost results are compiled in the following figure.</p><div class="col-md-12 spacer"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-01/Electrifying-Heat-in-an-Existing-Hospital_Chart-01-v2_1170x588.jpg" alt="Providence St. Peter Hospital Cost Model Scenarios From 2024 to 2041 | Cost numbers per square foot for BAU ($62, 10, 20) Scenario 1 ($85, -, 79), 2 ($69, -, 83), 3a ($65, -, 110), 3b ($65, -, 93) in Utilitay Cost, Carbon Fines, and Capital"></div><div class="col-md-6"><p><strong>The total cost of ownership over 17 years for each case is as follows:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Scenario 0:</strong> $67.2 million ($92/ft2)</li><li><strong>Scenario 1:</strong> $124.2 million ($169/ft2)</li><li><strong>Scenario 2:</strong> $112.6 million ($154/ft2)</li><li><strong>Scenario 3A:</strong> $130.0 million ($177/ft2)</li><li><strong>Scenario 3B:</strong> $118.4 million ($162/ft2)</li></ul></div><div class="col-md-6"><p>The most cost effective fully electrified solution is Scenario 2, though it is still $45 million more costly over 17 years than Scenario 0, the business-as-usual case. It is worth noting that this study does not include utility rate escalations or utility incentives. Furthermore, some of the capital equipment, such as heat pumps, may decline in cost as the market matures. More cost details are available in Section 2.4.</p></div></div><div class="col-md-10 col-md-offset-1 shcItemsLine"> </div><div class="col-md-12"><h3><cite>Notes</cite></h3><ol><li><cite>EPA. “Scope 1 and Scope 2 Inventory Guidance.” </cite><a href="https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-1-and-scope-2-inventory-guidance" title="EPA | Scope 1 and Scope 2 Inventory Guidance"><cite>EPA Center for Corporate Climate Leadership</cite></a><cite>.</cite></li><li><cite>ASHRAE. </cite><a href="https://technologyportal.ashrae.org/journal/articledetail/2473" title="ASHRAE | ASHRAE Technology Portal"><cite>ASHRAE Technology Portal</cite></a><cite>.</cite></li></ol></div></div></div> Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:16:53 -0600 Energy Management /sustainability/electrifying-heat-existing-hospital <div class="raw-html-embed"> </div> #main-content p, #main-content ol>li, #main-content ul>li { font-size: 16px } .BulletCircle ul { list-style: none; /* Remove default bullets */ padding-left: 0px } .BulletCircle ul li { margin-bottom: 7px; line-height: 1.5em; } .BulletCircle ul li::before { content: "●"; font-size: 1em; position: relative; top: 0px; color: #78be20; text-indent: -20px; /* key property */ margin-left: 20px; /* key property */ padding-right: 10px } .BulletCircle ul li { text-indent: -40px; /* key property */ margin-left: 30px; /* key property */ } /*.BulletCircle ol{ column-count: 2; white-space: nowrap; }*/ .BulletCircle ol li::marker{ color: #78be20; font-weight:700; } .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar { position: relative; display: block; overflow: hidden; max-width: 1170px; margin: 0px auto 0px auto; } .LogoInsert { position: absolute; top: 0px; height: 100%; left: 0px; } .LogoInsert img { max-width: 500px; max-height: 125px; top: calc(50% - 125px/2); left: calc(100% + 50px); position: absolute; } .LogoInsert h1 { position: absolute; left: 0px; bottom: 0px; width: 500px; opacity: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0; } @media (max-width:640px) { .LogoBG { object-fit: cover; height: 200px; } .LogoInsert img { max-width: 250px; left: calc(100% + 15px); top: calc(50% - 112px/2); background-color: #00584499; padding: 25px; border-radius: 30px 0px; } } @media (max-width:320px) { .LogoBG { height: 150px; } } <header class="Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar"><img class="LogoBG" src="/sites/default/files/2023-03/sustainability-roadmap-web-home-banner-1170x250.jpg" alt="Banner Image - Glass Earth sitting in a hand over tall grass"><div class="LogoInsert"><img src="/sites/default/files/2023-03/SustainabilityRoadmap_Logo_Hor-white_700x217.png" alt="Sustainability Roadmap for Health Care | Achieving Your Sustainability Goals - Logo"></div></header> .shcIntro{ background-color:#78be2022; padding: 5px 50px 15px 50px; margin-bottom:20px; } .shcIntro h1, .shcIntro h2, .shcIntro h3 { color: #005844; text-align: center; } .shcIntro h1{ font-size:2em; } .shcIntro h2{ font-size:1.6em; } shcIntro ul{ color: grey; } <div class="shcIntro"><h1>Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital</h1><h2>Decarbonization Case Study and Preparation Guide</h2><p>A groundbreaking case study on electrifying an existing hospital building’s thermal load — and a companion guide on starting decarbonization efforts</p></div><div class="raw-html-embed"> <div class="row"> /* TocMini */ .TocMini { margin: 0px auto 25px; padding-bottom: 5px; color: #005844; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 400; font-size: .7em; width: 80%; } .TocMini .TocMiniBar { border: 1px solid #78be20; padding: 5px 10px; overflow: auto; border-radius: 20px 0px; } .TocMini .TocMiniBar .TocMiniGroup a:after { content: "|"; padding: 0 3px 0 6px; color: #253b80; font-weight: 700; } .TocMini .TocMiniBar .TocMiniGroup a:last-child:after { content: ""; } .TocMini .TocMiniGroup { float: right; } .TocMini .TocMiniHome { text-transform: uppercase; color: #005844; font-weight: 700; } .TocMini .TocMiniChild { font-weight: 500; opacity: .9; color: #555; } .TocMini .TocMiniHome:hover, .TocMini .TocMiniChild:hover { text-transform: ; color: #5fa1d0; } .TocMini .TocMiniActive{ font-weight: 700; color: #5fa1d0; } /* TocMini // */ <div class="TocMini"> <div class="TocMiniBar"><a class="TocMiniHome" href="/sustainability" target="_blank" title="Home - Sustainability Roadmap for Health Care">Sustainability Roadmap for Health Care </a> <div class="TocMiniGroup"><a class="TocMiniChild" href="https://www.ashe.org/sustainability" target="_blank" title="ASHE Sustainability for Health Care Facilities">Sustainability for Health Care Facilities</a> <a class="TocMiniChild" href="/sustainability/glossary" target="_blank" title="Glossary">Glossary</a> <a class="TocMiniChild" href="https://www.ashe.org/sustainability/healquest" target="_blank" title="HealQuest">HealQuest<sup>TM</sup></a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="text-align-center">Providence St. Peter Hospital Decarbonization Case Study</h2> <p>xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx </p> </div>--> .shcItems{ border: solid 2px #005844; padding-top: 25px; padding-bottom: 25px; border-radius: 75px 0px; margin-top:50px; margin-bottom:50px; } .shcItems h2{ text-align:center; color:#005844; margin-bottom:50px; } .shcItems h3{ margin:0px; } .shcItems h4{ color:#78be20; } .shcItems .shcItemsLine { border-bottom:solid 1px #78be20; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:50px; } .shcItems img{ max-width: 150px; margin: auto; display: block; width: 100%; } <div class="row"><div class="col-md-10 col-md-offset-1 shcItems"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12"><h2>Available Publications</h2></div></div><div class="row" id="Electrifying"><div class="col-md-12"><div class="col-sm-3 col-md-3"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-12/Electrifying-Heat-in-an-Existing-Hospital_COVER_300x300.png" alt="Icon - Blocks"><div class="raw-html-embed"> <span id="dots"></span> Expand for More Info ↓ #more { height: 200px; overflow:auto; min-height: 100px; } button#myBtn { margin:10px auto; display:block; background-color: #78be2022; } function myFunction() { var dots = document.getElementById("dots"); var moreText = document.getElementById("more"); var btnText = document.getElementById("myBtn"); if (dots.style.display === "none") { dots.style.display = "inline"; btnText.innerHTML = "Expand ↓"; moreText.style.height = "20vh"; moreText.style.overflow = "auto"; } else { dots.style.display = "none"; btnText.innerHTML = "Collapse ↑"; moreText.style.height = "100%"; } } </div></div><div class="col-sm-8 col-md-8 BulletCircle"><div class="more" id="more"><h3>Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital</h3><p>This groundbreaking analysis conducted by the American Society for Health Care Engineering and Providence St. Peter Hospital establishes the technical and financial feasibility of electrifying the existing hospital building’s thermal load. The case study provides a detailed outline of the steps one hospital is taking to successfully achieve this feat — something once thought impractical by many in the health care facilities management field.</p><hr><p><em>Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital</em> is a groundbreaking and comprehensive analysis conducted in partnership with Providence St. Peter Hospital that establishes the feasibility of electrifying the existing hospital building’s thermal load. While previously there has been extensive guidance for decarbonizing new hospital buildings, little information was available about the decarbonization of an existing hospital building. Additionally, there was speculation about the feasibility of electrifying the thermal load and decarbonizing an existing hospital from a technical and financial perspective.</p><p><strong>This case study, written by the American Society for Health Care Engineering, shows:</strong></p><ol><li>It is technically feasible to electrify the Providence St. Peter Hospital building’s thermal load:<ul><li>The project will need to be done in phases over approximately 10-15 years.</li><li>Decarbonization planning needs to begin early.</li><li>The building must be optimized concurrently with other decarbonization planning, which includes ventilation, energy conservation measures, the building envelope, etc.</li></ul></li><li>It is financially feasible to electrify Providence St. Peter Hospital’s existing building:<ul><li>Electrifying the thermal load would cost around $100/square foot.</li></ul></li><li>Full decarbonization includes factors beyond the thermal load, however decarbonizing the thermal load has been seen as the most difficult and has the most naysayers. Other systems to decarbonize include:<ul><li>Deactivating piped nitrous systems.</li><li>Removing desflurane from drug formulary.</li><li>Electrification of the transportation modes.</li><li>Less waste to the landfill.</li><li>Purchasing renewable energy.</li></ul></li></ol><p>The book provides a detailed outline of the steps one hospital is taking to achieve this feat. Yet, to be clear, this publication is not intended to be a playbook for electrifying any given hospital, nor is it meant to be a benchmark by which other hospitals pursuing this goal should be measured. The path to complete electrification is an extremely complex and bespoke process. Each electrification plan must be tailored to the specific goals of a given health care facility or system as well as regulatory requirements that govern that facility and the needs of the communities it serves. That said, this case study does serve as a success story meant to inspire and demonstrate that this feat, which not so long ago seemed impossible, might be, in fact, within reach.</p><h4>Table of Contents Overview</h4><ol><li>Introduction</li><li>Results</li><li>Facility Description</li><li>Performance and Load Testing</li><li>Decarbonization Studies</li><li>Resilience</li><li>Capital Equipment and Costs</li><li>Construction Phasing</li></ol></div><div><div class="col-sm-6"><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="/foreword-and-executive-summary-electrifying-heat-existing-hospital" title="Download the Foreword and Executive Summary - Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital">View Free Executive Summary</a></p></div><div class="col-sm-6"><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://ams.aha.org/EWEB/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=ProdDetailAdd&ivd_prc_prd_key=7c7e2358-16cd-4910-99f7-174d8452884c" target="_blank" title="Purchase the Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital - Case Study">Purchase Case Study</a></p></div></div></div></div></div><div class="col-md-10 col-md-offset-1 shcItemsLine"> </div><div class="row" id="Decarbonization"><div class="col-md-12"><div class="col-sm-3 col-md-3"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-12/How-to-Prepare-for-a-Decarbonization-Study_300x300.png" alt="Icon Presentation"><div class="raw-html-embed"> <span id="dots2"></span> Expand for More Info ↓ #more2 { height: 220px; overflow:auto; min-height: 100px; } button#myBtn2 { margin:10px auto; display:block; background-color: #78be2022; } function myFunction2() { var dots = document.getElementById("dots2"); var moreText = document.getElementById("more2"); var btnText = document.getElementById("myBtn2"); if (dots.style.display === "none") { dots.style.display = "inline"; btnText.innerHTML = "Expand ↓"; moreText.style.height = "20vh"; moreText.style.overflow = "auto"; } else { dots.style.display = "none"; btnText.innerHTML = "Collapse ↑"; moreText.style.height = "100%"; } } </div></div><div class="col-sm-8 col-md-8 BulletCircle"><div class="more" id="more2"><h3>How to Prepare for a Decarbonization Study</h3><p>This guide outlines the steps a hospital team can take to initiate a decarbonization study at their facility. As a companion piece to the American Society for Health Care Engineering’s book <em>Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital</em>, which describes the pathway one existing hospital is taking to achieve decarbonization, this publication provides suggestions to health care executives, facilities managers and sustainability managers on how to start planning, and budgeting, for a transition to clean energy.</p><hr><p>Infrastructure investments in a hospital building’s systems that support a safe patient environment can also reduce carbon emissions and life-cycle costs. This monograph outlines the steps a hospital team can take to initiate a decarbonization study. As a companion piece to the American Society for Health Care Engineering’s book <em>Electrifying Heat in an Existing Hospital</em>, which describes the pathway one existing hospital is taking to achieve decarbonization, this piece provides suggestions to health care executives, facilities managers and sustainability managers on how to start planning, and budgeting, for a transition to clean energy.</p><p>Insights are shared on how to develop a business case for a decarbonization study at an existing hospital. Recommendations are also made to help define the scope of a decarbonization plan, develop a budget, engage with other important stakeholders and contract with external engineering support.</p><p><strong>Topics include:</strong></p><ul><li>The value of decarbonization</li><li>Budgeting</li><li>Internal collaboration</li><li>Contracting with an engineering team</li><li>Financial incentives for energy efficiency</li><li>Sample language for a decarbonization study RFP</li><li>Key deliverables for a decarbonization study</li></ul></div><div><div class="col-sm-6"><p><a class="btn btn-primary " href="/system/files/media/file/2024/12/How-to-Prepare-for-a-Decarbonization-Study.pdf" target="_blank" title="Free for Members Only: How to Prepare for a Decarbonization Study">Free AHA Member Version</a></p></div><div class="col-sm-6"><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://ams.aha.org/EWEB/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=ProdDetailAdd&ivd_prc_prd_key=005e0d4b-2cb1-472a-93ca-b5e0dba00307" target="_blank" title="Purchase: How to Prepare for a Decarbonization Study">Non-member: Purchase the Guide</a></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:02:45 -0600 Energy Management /case-studies/2024-11-13-aha-value-initiative-members-action-russell-regional-hospital-russell-ks Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:44:31 -0600 Energy Management /news/headline/2023-04-03-cms-most-health-care-facilities-may-use-2021-nfpa-emergency-power-options-including-microgrid <p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Friday issued a <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/surveycertificationgeninfo/policy-and-memos-states/categorical-waiver-health-care-microgrid-systems-hcmss">waiver</a> permitting most health care facilities to use emergency power sources authorized by the 2021 edition of the National Fire Protection Association Health Care Facilities Code, including a microgrid system. The categorical waiver applies to all health care facilities that CMS requires to comply with the 2012 edition of the NFPA code, except for long-term care facilities that provide life support, which must have an emergency generator.</p> Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:04:00 -0500 Energy Management <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <p>The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R.5376) signed into law Aug. 16, 2022, (Public Law 117-169) makes tax incentives available to hospitals for energy efficient construction and clean energy vehicles.</p> <p>To help AHA members understand and benefit from the new law, the AHA has commissioned the law firm Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo to prepare a <a href="https://aha.org/system/files/media/file/2022/11/inflation-reduction-act-detailed-summary-of-key-energy-tax-benefits-for-businesses-mintz.pdf" target="_blank">detailed summary of key provisions</a>, some of which may be valuable to hospitals, including tax-exempt hospitals. AHA acknowledges Mintz attorneys Brent Henry, Anne Levin-Nussbaum and Charles A. Samuels for their assistance in providing this service to AHA members.</p> <p>In addition, hospitals and health systems can view AHA’s recent <a href="/system/files/media/file/2022/10/tax-credits-for-clean-energy-provisions-available-to-hospitals-as-part-of-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022-advisory-10-5-22.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Advisory</a> that included key highlights of the law’s tax incentives available to hospitals.</p> <h2>WHAT YOU CAN DO</h2> <ul> <li>Please share these resources with the appropriate members of your leadership teams. Hospitals should consult with their accountants and tax professionals to determine how provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act may be beneficial to their organizations.</li> <li>Register for an <a href="https://events-na13.adobeconnect.com/content/connect/c1/2260329217/en/events/event/shared/2316170480/event_registration.html?sco-id=10013354258&_charset_=utf-8" target="_blank">AHA members-only webinar</a> on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. ET during which experts from the Mintz law firm will provide an in-depth look at how new energy and efficiency tax credits can apply to hospitals. They also will answer questions from webinar participants.</li> </ul> <h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2> <p>If you have further questions, please contact Mindy Hatton, Mark Howell or Mike Rock at 800-424-4301.</p> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="external-link spacer"><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://aha.org/system/files/media/file/2022/11/detailed-summary-of-key-energy-tax-benefits-in-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022-bulletin-11-18-22.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Special Bulletin: Detailed Summary of Key Energy Tax Benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.">Download the PDF</a></div> <p><a href="https://aha.org/system/files/media/file/2022/11/detailed-summary-of-key-energy-tax-benefits-in-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022-bulletin-11-18-22.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="Cover: Detailed Summary of Key Energy Tax Benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8da4cf12-da2b-4df5-a6bc-64cafe26f61b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-detailed-summary-of-key-energy-tax-benefits-in-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022-bulletin-11-18-22.png" width="570" height="737"></a></p> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 18 Nov 2022 13:17:30 -0600 Energy Management <p>The Inflation Reduction Act (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376" target="_blank">H.R.5376</a>) signed into law Aug. 16, 2022, (Public Law 117-169) makes tax incentives available to hospitals, including tax-exempt hospitals, for energy efficient construction and clean energy vehicles.</p> <h2>KEY HIGHLIGHTS </h2> <ul> <li><strong>Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings</strong>. The current-law tax deduction for energy-saving commercial building property is now available to tax-exempt organizations, including hospitals. The deduction must be allocated to the designer of the building or retrofit plan and is available for property installed as part of (1) the interior lighting system; (2) the heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot water system; or (3) the building envelope.<br />  </li> <li><strong>Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles.</strong> A new tax-credit is available for certain commercial vehicles and mobile machinery. The credit is the lesser of (1) 15% of the vehicle’s cost (30% for vehicles not powered by gasoline or diesel) or (2) the incremental cost of the vehicle relative to a comparable vehicle. Under the “direct pay” provision of the new law, tax-exempt entities may elect to receive the credit as a direct payment.<br />  </li> <li><strong>Alternative Fuel Refueling Property.</strong> The law extends through 2023 the tax credit for the cost of a qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property installed by a business. The definition of qualifying property is modified to include bidirectional charging equipment and the credit can be claimed for electric charging stations for two-and three-wheeled vehicles that are intended for use on public roads. Starting in 2023, charging or refueling property would only be eligible if it is placed in service in a low-income or rural census tract. Under the “direct pay” provision of the new law, the tax-exempt owner of the property is allowed to receive the credit as a direct payment.<br />  </li> <li><strong>Tax Credit for Renewable Energy Property</strong>. Current law provides a temporary investment tax credit (ITC) for investments in certain energy property. The law would extend and make numerous changes to the ITC, with the credit generally extended through the end of 2024. Qualified projects include solar, fuel cells, waste energy recovery, combined heat and power, small wind property, energy storage and biogas. Under the “direct pay” provision of the new law, the tax-exempt owner of the property is allowed to receive the credit as a direct payment.<br />  </li> <li><strong>Clean Electricity Investment Credit</strong>. This provision would create a new clean electricity ITC. This new ITC would be for investment in qualifying zero-emissions electricity generation facilities or energy storage technology. This credit would be available for facilities and property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2024 and may be taken as a direct payment.</li> </ul> <h2>AHA TAKE</h2> <p>These new incentives may be valuable to many hospitals and health systems in reducing costs and increasing environmental sustainability. The Internal Revenue Service is now developing regulations to provide guidance on these changes. Hospitals should consult with their accountants and tax professionals to determine how these provisions, and potentially others in the Inflation Reduction Act, may be beneficial to their organizations.</p> <h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2> <p>If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.</p> Wed, 05 Oct 2022 12:22:38 -0500 Energy Management /education-events/lunch-learn-series-how-optimize-energy-costs-reliability-and-sustainability <p>Your central utility plant is likely the biggest contributor to occupant comfort, biggest supplier of mission critical services and biggest consumer of energy. Next-generation software ensures your CUP earns its keep through improved reliability, reduced cost and advancing your sustainability goals. Learn how you can save energy where you use it the most by transforming your building technology.</p> <h4>Learning objectives:</h4> <p>Learn about plant optimization and the variety of approaches used for minimizing costs. Understand the steps towards an optimized plant. Hear a few use cases of recent Johnson Controls plant optimization projects.<br /> <br /> Please Note: This is a Lunch & Learn program and is not eligible for CEUs.<br /> DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by presenters in this program should not be construed as directly representing the views of the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE). ASHE does not endorse any products or services promoted in this program. By registering, you agree ASHE can share your contact information with the webinar sponsor.</p> Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:09:28 -0500 Energy Management /education-events/microgrid-strategies-hospitals-and-health-care-organizations <div class="webreplay"> .webreplay{ border: solid 2px #777; padding: 15px 5px; margin: 0 0 10px 15px; } @media (min-width:360px){ .webreplay{ min-width: 290px; float: right; } } <h2><small>On-demand Webinar</small></h2>   MktoForms2.loadForm("//app-sj20.marketo.com", "734-ZTO-041", 5740);</div> <p><strong>Microgrid Strategies for Hospitals and Health Care Organizations</strong><br /> <em>Strategies to Continue Operating During Power Disruptions and Improve Air Quality</em></p> <p><strong>Thursday, August 20</strong><br /> <em>1 - 2 p.m. Eastern; noon - 1 p.m. Central; 10 - 11 a.m. Pacific </em></p> <p>The nature of today’s hospitals — 24-hour services provided by teams of specialized professionals, supported by an expanding use of technology — creates an extraordinary demand for energy.</p> <p>Now, as the health care field is tackling the most challenging pandemic of our lifetime, resiliency in healthcare energy systems is getting even more critical. Hurricanes, storms and wildfires are unavoidable, but when coupled with viral threats such as COVID-19, reliance on the central grid alone is no longer an option.</p> <p>This webinar will consider a strategic focus on how health care systems can prepare themselves for resiliency under pandemic situations. Our speakers will address energy procurement strategies, onsite energy generation technology, how to reduce energy costs,  mitigate revenue loss from canceled procedures, and doing all this while deploying clean energy solutions that improve air quality by eliminating smog-forming pollution and particulate matter.</p> <p>Join our team of experts as they explore the complex, sector-wide challenges health care systems face as a result of its new-reality, ever-changing landscape and how those challenges elevate the importance of choice when it comes to power.</p> <p><strong>Attendees Will Learn:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How to reduce energy costs and mitigate revenue loss from canceled procedures.</li> <li>How to create energy security during pandemics, natural disasters and planned and unplanned outages.</li> <li>How to implement sustainable energy sources, without emitting NOx, Sox and particulate matter and improving local air quality for sensitive patient populations.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p><br /> Nirupama Prakash Kumar<br /> <em>Sr. Product Manager – Healthcare microgrids</em><br /> <strong>Bloom Energy</strong><br /> San Jose, Calif.</p> <p>Ryan De La Cruz<br /> <em>Director of Business Development</em><br /> <strong>Ecom-Energy, Inc.</strong><br /> Yorba Linda, Calif.<br />  </p> Wed, 22 Jul 2020 11:16:00 -0500 Energy Management