Healthcare Living Laboratories
About the project
This project will quantify sector energy consumption and identify the potential for integrated HVAC and renewable energy solutions.
| Project title | Healthcare Living Laboratories – Sector-wide engagement and impact |
| Project number | LLHC1 |
| Project location | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Lead partner | Queensland University of Technology |
| Contact | Dr Wendy Miller School of Built Environment Science and Engineering Faculty |
| Project partners | University of Wollongong |
| Project participants | Warrigal Bolton Clarke Children’s Health Queensland |
| Start date | 01/07/2019 |
| End date | 30/06/2022 |
| ARENA/i-Hub funding | $147,042 |
| Total project cost | $480,570 |
Need
The energy intensity of hospitals and aged care facilities is attributed to their 24/7 operation, the use of energy intensive equipment, the need for infection and temperature control, and the frequent inclusion of onsite kitchen and laundry services. Improving energy productivity and developing appropriate sector wide key performance measures is challenging because of differences in clinical services, patient activity and floor space utilisation. There is a need for more nuanced key performance indicators that take into account opportunities for integrated solutions that address energy consumption (kWh), demand (kW), seasonal and diurnal load profiles, demand response capabilities and HVAC/renewable energy/storage integration.
Action
This project will directly address these challenges by engaging the HVAC and building services sectors and Healthcare sectors in the collaborative development of:
- The framework under which the Healthcare Living Labs will be established and operated
- Analysis of baseline performance data across the industry
- Development of new key performance indicators and metrics
- Extrapolation of technology evaluations for sector wide impact
- Dissemination of project knowledge.
Outcome
Quantification and qualification of the potential for integration of HVAC technologies and renewable energy in health care settings.
Renewable Energy and Enabling Technology and Services Evaluation Frameworks for Healthcare, applied to living laboratory operations and protocols.
Sector wide energy performance data and key performance indicators.
Enhanced industry understanding of the links between energy and health.
Demonstration of potential for 30% reduction in energy demand and 25% increase in value of renewable energy.
Renewable Energy and Enabling Technology and Services Roadmap for Healthcare.
Information disseminated to wide aged care and healthcare industry.
Project reports
Evaluation Framework
All sub-projects within i-Hub are evaluated as part of the ongoing i-Hub project management process. Evaluation is completed by the project manager and reviewed by the Activity Leaders Group and i-Hub Steering Committee. Please click here to read the Evaluation Framework.
Created 31/1/2020