Game-Changing HVAC Optimization at Chicago Hospital

 

I am thrilled to share with you an exciting case study about a project that Aero Performance Group undertook at a renowned hospital in Chicago. This project showcases our commitment to optimizing HVAC systems and reducing energy consumption, and I can't wait to dive into the details with you!

 

 

Imagine a hospital that spans over 1 million square feet, operating year-round with approximately 300 patient beds. This hospital includes emergency, inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic and treatment departments, doctor's offices, administration areas, and a large commercial space. Aero Performance Group was contracted to transition this hospital into the utility-funded Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) program to further reduce its energy consumption and environmental impact.

 

The hospital, constructed in 2012, had previously utilized another company for retrocommissioning services. However, the HVAC systems had not been studied long-term to optimize year-round performance. Aero Performance Group stepped in and implemented twenty-seven Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) between October 2015 and March 2022, achieving an ROI of less than one month.

 

One of the challenges we faced was identifying and addressing leaking hot water valves in individual Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes. These leaks could have gone unnoticed for years, costing the hospital between $500 and $1,000 in wasted energy per year. Aero Performance Group provided detailed reports to evaluate the performance of each VAV box within the facility. With the list of leaking valves, the hospital staff was able to put together a preventive maintenance plan to replace all the leaking valves and continues to replace additional valves as they become an issue.

 

Now, let's talk about the incredible results! The project resulted in verified annual savings of 3,067,507 kWh and 579,218 therms per year, equating to total annual savings of $539,785. The total project cost was $29,561, with a payback period of less than one month. Improvements in whole-building energy efficiency were observed in both electrical and natural gas consumption, with the hospital using 3% less energy in 2021 compared to 2015, despite having added more than 10% more beds.

 

In conclusion, the Monitoring-Based Commissioning project at the Chicago hospital demonstrates the effectiveness of Aero Performance Group's approach to optimizing HVAC systems and reducing energy consumption. The significant energy savings and quick ROI highlight the value of transitioning to a utility-funded MBCx program. For more information on this project, please contact Nick Muscolino at Nick.Muscolino@aeropg.com or 847-288-3200.

 

Thank you for your attention, and I hope this case study provides valuable insights into the successful implementation of the MBCx program at the Chicago hospital. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out!