Abstract

GARCIA SANZ-CALCEDO, Justo; CUADROS, Francisco  and  LOPEZ RODRIGUEZ, Fernando. Energy audit: a management tool in health centers. Gac Sanit [online]. 2011, vol.25, n.6, pp.549-551. ISSN 0213-9111.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of energy audit as a management tool in primary care to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of a health center by reducing its operating costs. Method: We conducted 55 energy audits in health centers from 2005-2010. The health centers were sized between 500 and 3,500 m², were located in health areas with 3,500 to 25,000 users, and were built between 1985 and 2007. Results: With an average investment of 11,601€ per site, energy consumption can be reduced by 10,801 kWh per year, saving 2,961€ with a mean payback period of 3.92 years, and preventing emission of 7,010kg of CO₂. Conclusions: Energy auditing is a practical tool to reduce the operating and maintenance costs of health centers and of improving the comfort of the facilities.

Keywords : Energy management; Health center; Energy audit.

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