Tasmanian energy audits : analysis of aged care buildings

One of the major contributors to energy consumption in commercial buildings is the health care sector. Within this sector, aged care organisations are second only to hospitals in terms of energy consumption. However, very little research has been conducted in Australia on energy performance in aged care organisations. Hence this study investigates the potential for reducing energy consumption in Tasmanian aged care buildings. Energy audits were conducted in four Tasmanian aged care buildings in Hobart. Energy use per unit floor area in Tasmanian aged care organisations was used as an energy consumption index to allow direct comparisons to be made with countries with the best practice energy standards. The 25% of aged care buildings with the lowest energy consumption levels from each of Denmark and United Kingdom were chosen as benchmarks. It was found that the average Tasmanian aged care organisation consumed around 235 kWh/m 2per year which is at least 63 kWh/m2per year more than these benchmarks. Most of the 63 kWh/m2energy reduction target can be achieved through energy saving investments with short payback periods, such as sealing vented skylights, installing hot water flow control valves, HPS for outdoor lighting, and controlled flow shower roses, together with improving their energy management and housekeeping. Medium term measures, such as additional roof insulation and installing CFL for residential room lighting, may also be required to meet all of the target.