Date of Award
5-2016
Degree Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Dual Degree Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy (MBA/ESP)
Department
International Development, Community and Environment
Chief Instructor
Greg Trencher
Second Reader
Will O'Brien
Keywords
sub-meter, energy efficiency, hospital, healthcare
Abstract
The natural world finds itself placed in an ever more precarious position as climate change is continually exacerbated by the burning of fossil fuels. Achieving greater energy efficiency in resource intensive industries has emerged as part of the immediate solution to this problem, a solution which can be financially, environmentally, and socially beneficial. Healthcare is one such industry where energy efficiency has high relevance. With hospitals operating 24/7 and energy intensive equipment running all day long, the healthcare industry offers high potential for successful building energy efficient retrofits. Yet it also faces many unique barriers. This paper identifies some of the most prevalent barriers to the industry by presenting the results of a sub-metering consulting project conducted at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center. Through constructing a baseline for energy consumption and drawing on a variety of academic resources, the project was able to build a successful business case for sub-meter installation, the first step to better energy management in any large organization.
Recommended Citation
davies, chris, "Barriers to Energy Efficiency in Hospitals: Building a Better Business Case for Sub-Metering" (2016). International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE). 29.
https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers/29
Included in
Environmental Studies Commons, International and Area Studies Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons