11 Energiforbrug og klimapåvirkning – Guidance on Energy Calculation for Hospitals
The official guidance document Vejledning om energiberegning af hospitaler (version 3, January 2018) provides a standardized framework for energy calculations in new hospital constructions under Bygningsklasse 2020 (Building Class 2020). Issued by the Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority (Trafik-, Bygge- og Boligstyrelsen) in collaboration with the Danish Energy Agency and the Danish Building Research Institute (SBi), it supplements the Danish Building Regulations (BR18). The document serves as a specific interpretation of SBi-anvisning 213 for complex medical facilities characterized by 24/7 operations and high process energy demands.
The scope of the guidance includes hospitals and similar high-complexity buildings where specific functional requirements dictate energy profiles. It governs regulatory domains such as thermal indoor climate, lighting levels, high-intensity ventilation, and heat recovery. The document provides technical interpretations for energy framework additions related to extended operating hours and clinical requirements. It identifies specific calculation methodologies for Be18 and simulation tools like BSim to document compliance with statutory energy limits.
The following sections detail the technical criteria for energy framework additions, ventilation requirements in sterile environments, and the integration of renewable energy sources in accordance with municipal planning and building permit procedures.
Thermal Indoor Climate and Simulation
Hospital buildings must comply with thermal indoor climate standards established in the Building Regulations. The primary requirement limits temperatures from exceeding 26 °C, except for a limited number of hours per year as determined by the developer. Compliance is typically documented using hourly-based simulation programs such as BSim.
- DS 474: Standard for the specification of thermal indoor climate.
- DS 3033.2011: Voluntary classification for indoor climate quality in various building types.
- Simulation Parameters: Calculations must account for room geometry, heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting, and solar shading, ensuring consistency with Be18 assumptions.
Energy Framework Additions for Ventilation and Lighting
Additions to the energy framework are permitted when operating hours or technical requirements exceed standard office benchmarks. The reference for these additions is a standard office building operating 45 hours per week (08:00 to 17:00, five days a week).
- Ventilation Additions: Based on a reference rate of 1.2 l/s per m². For zones exceeding 45 hours of operation, the drift factor is adjusted. If rates exceed 1.2 l/s per m², the rate for the reference building is reduced to this benchmark.
- Lighting Additions: Reference lighting is set at 300 lux for 45 hours per week. If installed intensity exceeds 300 lux, the reference building's effect is reduced linearly based on the ratio (e.g., 300 lux / 500 lux = 0.6).
Technical Ventilation and Air Quality Requirements
The guidance distinguishes between processventilation (extracting heat, moisture, or hazardous substances) and comfort ventilation. Ventilation for operating theaters and isolation rooms is not classified as process ventilation but may trigger energy framework additions due to high air exchange and filtration needs.
- SEL-values: The specific energy consumption for air transport (SEL) must be met even with demand-controlled ventilation. For sterile rooms, recirculation may be accepted to meet SEL requirements without penalty.
- Filtration: Additions are available for filters exceeding F7 quality (such as F9 or HEPA) necessitated by hygiene requirements, accounting for increased pressure drops.
- Heat Recovery: Rotating heat exchangers may be used if specialized installation ensures minimal risk of cross-contamination, particularly in non-critical departments.
Renewable Energy and Municipal Integration
Renewable energy (VE-anlæg) established on or near the building can be included in the energy framework calculation. In Bygningsklasse 2020, the electricity energy factor is reduced to 1.8 to reflect the increasing share of renewable production in the national grid.
- Proximity Definition: Renewable installations are considered 'nearby' if located within the same municipality or adjacent to the building across a municipal border.
- Regional Participation: Regions may establish RE installations for their own consumption under authority mandates, provided they contribute economically to the establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperature limit for the thermal indoor climate in hospitals?
The temperature must not exceed 26 °C, with the specific number of allowed exceedance hours per year defined by the building owner.
Is process energy included in the hospital energy framework calculation?
No, process-related energy consumption is exempt from the general provisions of the building regulations according to § 475.
Which software is used to document compliance with the energy framework?
Compliance with the energy framework is documented using the Be18 calculation tool.
Can rotating heat exchangers be used in hospital ventilation?
Yes, they are generally allowed provided that specific technical and operational conditions are met to minimize infection risks, although certain departments like neonatology may be exempt.
What is the energy framework limit for Building Class 2020 hospitals?
The baseline energy framework is 25 kWh/m² per year, plus specific additions for long operating hours, extra ventilation, lighting, and hot water.
Are additions to the energy framework permitted for high-efficiency air filters?
Additions are permitted for filters exceeding F7 grade (e.g., F9) if they are required for hygiene and cause significant pressure drops.
How are extensions (tilbygninger) handled in energy calculations?
The owner may choose to calculate extensions based on either a specific energy framework or individual building component heat loss (varmetabsramme).
What defines 'nearby' for renewable energy installations?
It is interpreted broadly as being within the same municipality or close to the building, even if situated across a municipal boundary.
