When Tucson Medical Center officials started planning a new hospital to serve the growing southeast side, they were determined to make it energy efficient.
Because the TMC Rincon Health Campus would need to operate around the clock, standard HVAC systems wouldn’t be the most cost-effective long-term option.
So, TMC turned to Tucson Electric Power to collaborate on ways to save energy and money. Through this partnership, TMC Rincon received a $101,000 rebate this spring for installing energy-efficient equipment and lighting throughout the hospital.
“Since we’re committed to providing quality service to the community, a lot of heart went into the design of the building,” said Jacob Linhart, TMC’s Director of Facilities Services and Construction.
Before reaching out to TEP, TMC officials had already started building models to identify optimal equipment for the 134,000-square-foot facility. That’s when TEP decided to try a new method to address the hospital’s specific requirements.
“This was the first time we had done a Whole Building Approach. It was a pretty substantial project and the hospital was excited about it,” said Kyle Dearing, Energy Engineer with TEP’s contractor, Franklin Energy.
Linhart said TMC decided to construct a central utility plant with chillers and handlers, instead of installing standard HVACs. The variable speed drives and other equipment make it more efficient. Plus, TEP installed energy-efficient lighting throughout the hospital, which has 60 patient beds.
“Many buildings are built these days without conscious thought to the cost of utilities over the life of the asset. TMC was very aware of consumption and modeling,” Linhart said. “We designed this with a high degree of awareness. It was built to latest standards of energy efficiency.”
Energy costs were below budget in the hospital’s first year of operations. While TMC was conservative on its forecasting, Linhart said the cost and energy use prove that the building’s design and equipment are functioning well.
“We have the utmost gratitude for TEP’s support,” Linhart said.
Dearing said the experience with TMC shows that the Whole Building Approach is effective for larger projects. TEP plans to use the program again when a project warrants it.
Commercial and business customers can explore rebate options and approaches on our Powering Business Solutions webpage. Not sure where to start? Request a Free Rebate Assessment so our experts can help you identify energy-saving opportunities.
