High Performance Buildings Case Study: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) knew that it had no control over utility rates, but that it did have control over its energy use. The hospital sought to identify and implement energy conservation measures (ECMs) to reduce costs, in alignment with its mission to provide quality patient care as efficiently as possible.

The High Performance Buildings Journey
CRMH set out to identify low cost energy conservation measures (ECMs) that could be implemented to reduce its energy use and carbon footprint, lower costs for patients and provide a positive return on their investment. Due to increasing demands, hospital staff were unable to focus on the impact of their actions on energy use, the environment and the bottom line.

Based on a relationship that spanned over 20 years, Trane had extensive knowledge of CRMH operations, business goals and infrastructure needs. CRMH and the Trane High Performance Building team developed a partnership to address the energy and operational objectives of the hospital, utilizing an annual performance-based service agreement.

Identifying potential savings, Trane initiated a process to identify and quantify potential improvements. The ECM process is based on Six Sigma methodology, which takes critical factors such as saving potential, practicality, commercial viability and risk management into consideration.

Energy consumption was benchmarked, plans were developed and ECMs were identified. Trane and CRMH evaluated the ECMs and developed a top project list.

Results
Carilion implemented a high performance building solution to reduce its energy use and environmental footprint and lower costs for patients. Over 25 ECMs were implemented, including chilled water plant flow issue minimization, chiller plant automation, controls programming and flat plate heat exchanger modifications.

These and other measures delivered almost $275,000 in first-year energy savings and reduced carbon emissions by an estimated 2,214 tons.

"You can make a huge difference with energy conservation," said Johnny Morris, senior director of engineering, Carilion Clinic. "For every dollar saved, that’s money you can put back into your operation to give people a good place to go for their healthcare...why would you not do it?" - See more at: http://blog.trane.com/blog/highperformancebuildings/high-performance-buildings-case-study-carilion-roanoke-memorial-hospital#sthash.zssBXAAE.dpuf