BALANCING ENERGY REDUCTION VS. PATIENT CARE
ISSUE:
Compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and Executive Order 12902 -
`Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation at Federal Facilities' dated March 10,
1994, must be balanced with the medical professional's requirements for a quality
patient environment.
DISCUSSION:
VA design criteria, while it's presented as general guidance, has the mandated
requirements of Public Laws, Federal Regulations, Executive Orders, and similar
regulations, and does not permit deviations. Energy conservation is emphasized
in all aspects of building design and innovation is encouraged. Consultants are
required to provide a certificate of compliance for building energy performance
meeting DOE Regulations, 10 CFR Part 435, "Energy Conservation Voluntary
Performance Standards for Commercial and Multi-Family High Rise Residential
Buildings; Mandatory for New Federal Buildings; Interim Rule dated January 30,
1989". Exceptions are made for VA's requirements that directly affect the quality
of patient care and energy use. Some examples of special requirements are:
1. 100% outdoor air systems for surgery suites.
2. 100% outdoor air systems for Veterinary Medical Units (VMU).
3. Special refrigeration equipment for surgery suites and VMUs.
4. Lower than normal indoor temperature and relative humidity requirements in
these areas.
5. Special filtration and exhaust requirements in Surgery, VMU, and Laboratories.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSION :
1. Medical professionals special requirements limit reduction of energy use.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR MATION:
Contact Satish Sehgal @ 202-565-5032, Kurt Knight @ 202-565-4980, or Sat Gupta @ 202-565-
5268.
10 March 1997
FM-187C-DA66
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