Internal Challenges to Implementing Energy Efficiency Projects in Hospitals
Scott Kenyon, Steward Good Samaritan Hospital
Hospitals pose some unique challenges for efficiency projects that involve optimizing existing systems (HVAC). Each hospital typically represents a variety of environments with differing control requirements, from operating suites and laboratories to various patient environments (intensive care, recovery, out-patient) and office areas (medical and administrative). In addition, most hospital facilities exhibit a wide range of engineering designs due to additions and major renovations performed around a core structure that is often forty or more years old. Optimization projects often require several unique strategies within the same interconnected facility. Constant renovation projects also present a challenge in monitoring the effectiveness of identified energy saving measures.
This presentation will focus on the challenges facing the hospital staff when implementing energy optimization projects, from financing and performance measurement to the evaluation of proposed energy saving measures for potential negative impacts on hospital operations. Both the engineer and the facilities staff face unique challenges and limitations in a healthcare setting.
Scott Kenyon's healthcare experience spans 28 years, including two healthcare tours in the United States Air Force and Desert Storm and healthcare executive positions in academic medical centers; private, for-profit, multi-specialty, 250-provider physician group practices; and not-for-profit and for-profit acute care hospitals. Mr. Kenyon's experience includes property development and construction of office buildings and commercial properties, physician ambulatory practices, ambulatory surgery centers, cardiac catheterization laboratories, and in-patient bed towers, as well as healthcare and hospital renovations. Mr. Kenyon's combination of experience in healthcare administration, healthcare business development, construction development, facility management, and environment of care safety provides him with insights from all aspects of the continuum of healthcare.