Energy reduction strategies for existing Air Force healthcare facilities

Abstract

Federal buildings are required to reduce 30% of their energy use intensities (energy use per square foot) by 2015 and 37.5% by 2020. Additionally, 15% of federal buildings are required to achieve an Energy Star Rating of 75 or above by 2015. Despite rigorous efforts, current Air Force healthcare building performance reveals only a 15% decrease has been achieved from the 2009 baseline levels and only 12% of the building inventory holds the Energy Star Rating. Projections similarly reveal full compliance by 2020 may not be achievable, therefore, the need for a comprehensive and more robust effort is proposed. This thesis seeks to develop a road map for the Air Force's 68 existing healthcare buildings towards compliance by 2015. A methodology has been developed that leverages the Air Force's state-of-the-art energy efficiency strategy, the building energy performance analysis for 68 healthcare facilities including ten in-depth case studies, and multi-agency interviews to produce the road map. Strategic energy management plans, building system retrofits, whole building retro commissioning, occupant behavior and medical equipment plug loads and standby loads have been assessed. Investment costs, energy savings, and return on investments present timeline objectives intended to deliver a comprehensive strategy towards energy savings in Air Force healthcare facilities by 2015. Findings indicate that an energy master plan that incorporates a systematic building diagnostics approach targeting HVAC equipment and system operations as the most effective strategy. The results reveal that HVAC retrofits and implementation of no cost measures such as temperature setpoints and setbacks collectively reduce building energy use by 85% and energy use intensities by 50% by 2015. Projections include a total budget request of $43.5 million, annual cost savings of $4.1 with a 9.4% return on investment.