E07 – Feasibility of Net Zero in Medical Outpatient Facilities
With its demanding program and complex regulations, healthcare is one of the most challenging typologies to achieve net zero energy performance. While many institutions have committed to carbon neutrality, it can be challenging to reconcile growing patient needs with emissions reductions and economic paybacks. Outpatient facilities represent a particular opportunity to meet net zero energy, given unique factors related to building and site program and size. Based on a year-long research study, this session presents an integrated design team approach to identifying cost effective pathways to net zero energy or net zero carbon performance in medical office buildings. The study examines a range of energy efficiency strategies, including electrification, decoupled radiant conditioning, and onsite and offsite renewable systems, and strategies to reduce embodied carbon emissions associated with materiality from site development, structure, architecture, interior and mechanical systems.
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