Innovative Energy Management in Healthcare. Hospital SUDEO 4.0

By project MonitorEE

Published on 23 August 2024

Spain

Extremadura

About this good practice

The SUDOE 4.0 Hospital project, led by the Technological Institute of Castilla y León, plus 7 partners from Spain, France, and Portugal, addresses high energy consumption and inefficiencies in hospitals. Triggered by the need for better energy management in public buildings, it aims to enhance energy efficiency policies and support the transition to nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB).
The project implements an energy management system using real-time monitoring tools and creates a "Passport for building renovation" to guide rehabilitation strategies. These efforts are complemented by an impact study in the SUDOE region and extensive training for building maintenance managers to ensure broader application.
Key stakeholders include hospital users, facility managers, and policymakers. The project involved 3 pilot hospitals—Santo André Hospital in Leira, Clinique Belharra in Bayonne, and Perpetuo Socorro Hospital in Badajoz—where sensors were installed to monitor energy use, water consumption, air quality, and building integrity. The results are consolidated into the HOSPITAL SUDOE 4.0 platform, establishing a foundation for long-term improvements in energy efficiency management across the region.

Resources needed

The total budget for the project was €1,406,848.88, with €1,055,136.66 provided by the ERDF. This funding was allocated across the 3 pilot sites, platform development, and training, plus project costs associated with the 8 partners.

Evidence of success

The project achieved significant results: the Hospital SUDOE 4.0 platform, a Building Renovation Passport, an impact study, and training for 45 hospitals, 15 trainers, and 50 passport events. Monitoring 37 hospitals revealed energy use of 9.2 GWh/year and 54.7 Hm³/year of water. The project led to 2% to 10% savings in pilot buildings, showing the platform’s effectiveness and potential for wider use in enhancing energy management.

Potential for learning or transfer

The SUDOE 4.0 Hospital project demonstrates the applicability of the Hospital Sudoe 4.0 platform and its potential for energy management and savings. This platform is suitable for any building type and is user-friendly, even for non-experts. It facilitates effective data capture, real versus expected scenario comparisons, and impact simulation of improvements. Additionally, the Building Renovation Passport is an interactive document that outlines a roadmap for implementing upgrades. The project's success, evidenced by its impact study on 37 hospitals, highlights the feasibility of such measures. Regions can adopt these strategies to enhance energy efficiency in public buildings, benefiting from proven results and adaptability. Challenges may include securing funding and local expertise, but the project’s proven effectiveness makes it a valuable model for optimizing energy management in healthcare facilities.