Implementation of PEEB Cool in Costa Rica is well underway! PEEB Cool Costa Rica is set to begin studies on measures to improve energy efficiency in hospitals in partnership with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social CCSS), the country’s largest healthcare provider, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE).
This process was kicked off in Dr. Carlos Luis Valverde Vega Hospital (HCLVV) in San Ramón de Alajuela, a medium-sized city located about 60 km from San José, the capital of Costa Rica. A type 2 energy audit of the hospital showed an energy efficiency savings potential of around 208,000 kWh/year!
Studies for this hospital will be conducted by two national consulting firms that will identify energy efficiency improvement measures through a bioclimatic design and thermodynamic energy modelling of the hospital. The hospital’s medical and administrative staff will discuss the findings of both studies to ultimately produce a catalogue of improvements to the building’s energy efficiency, considering the cost/benefit ratio of different measures.
On Monday, August 4, the initiative was launched with a visit to the hospital. The PEEB Cool team, composed by Federico Corrales and representatives of two costarrican companies SPHERA and ENEX, were warmly welcomed by the hospital director, its administrative-financial director and the maintenance department at the HCLVV.
During the visit, the group carried out an initial inspection of the hospital facilities, discussed the scope of the studies, and agreed on next steps. The hospital’s management team expressed their enthusiasm in participating in the three-month long study development process.
The HCLVV began operating in 1955, has a capacity of 100 beds and an area of 14,000 m2. Due to the increasing demand of the community, the hospital has seen a horizontal growth over time, with new areas built using distinct materials and architectural features. This poses a challenge for the bioclimatic and energy modelling studies that will be carried out on its facilities. Using funding from PEEB Cool, SPHERA and ENEX are carrying out bioclimatic studies with IES VE 2025 and thermodynamic modelling with DesignBuilder.
This initiative sets the groundwork for bringing energy efficiency to healthcare facilities across the country.