Efficiency in public buildings
AS Malaysia is moving towards more ecologically sustainable development and lifestyles, the need to prepare for this change is imperative.
Sustainability has become an important initiative discussed and undertaken by developers of not only private residences but also offices, hotels, commercial buildings and hospitals.
Buildings are human habitats and the way people design, construct and operate buildings has a profound impact on people’s health and the environment.
Compared to other building types, healthcare buildings have an especially large impact on the environment because of their round- the- clock use. Thus, the development of green hospitals is important.
Hospitals require strict cleaning procedures and constant air filtration, which adds to the already- high energy costs of the 24/ 7 operations and sophisticated medical equipment that make hospitals among the greatest energy consumers of any institution.
Green hospital concepts will play an important part in the curative process in times to come.
Instead of being referred to as places that house healthcare amenities, the hospitals of tomorrow will focus on wellness and be transformed into welcoming spaces.
A World Health Organization ( WHO) report published last year urged hospitals to proactively address the environmental footprint of the healthcare sector by reducing power consumption, utilising alternative energy generation, and recycling and conserving resources.
Compliance with energysaving regulations is the highest concern for the assessment of the development of a green building.
Technologies have been promoted in the area of heat recovery using air- conditioning systems and heat pumps.
These technologies can produce free hot water, hot air for dryers and natural, cool fresh air. Specially coated wall and ceiling technologies are also implemented to reduce external heat and maintain a consistent room temperature.
In addition, solar energy and LED lighting systems have come a long way and are the basics for any green building.
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