This paper aims to review the state of the art technologies for the energy efficiency within the hospitals sector. Hospitals are liable for an unstable amount of energy demand and joint emissions, because of their 24/7 nature of operation and hence resulting larger energy consumption than a typical commercial building. Additionally, they need high quality and warranted supplies of electricity. Due to increased energy demand and therefore the depletion of existing fossil fuel based sources, it is required to use the energy more efficient.

Heat pumps are relatively simple appliances. They share similar components to refrigerators and air conditioners and effectively move an external source of heat to where it is needed, such as in buildings for heating or the production of hot water. Their key value is efficiency; for each unit of electricity consumed to operate them, they produce multiple units of usable heat. Because of this, they require much less energy input for a similar heating outcome compared to combustion technologies, making them naturally cleaner and generally cost effective to run.

A guide with these contents

• Sustainable and accessible ways to keep cool
• Key messages
• How does heat affect the body?
• Doesn’t air conditioning solve the problem?
• How can electric fans help?
• When shouldn’t electric fans be used?
• What if it’s too hot to use a fan or there is no power?
• How can buildings help keep people cool without the need for air conditioning?
• What should governments, employers, services and communities do to promote
• ‘fan-first’ cooling?
• Sources