| Abstract: |
This film is one of the outputs from a major EPSRC-funded research project undertaken by Cambridge, Loughborough, Leeds and the Open universities. The project investigated thermal conditions in a representative sample of NHS hospital buildings dating from the 1930s to the present, and, on the basis of this work, predicted their future performance through to 2080. Having diagnosed these buildings' strengths and weaknesses, the team proposed various refurbishment options, which were detailed, modelled and assessed for their infection control implications. The options were all fully costed. The work shows that a.) refurbishment can significantly lower the energy use of hospital buildings in the present day, essential for the NHS to meet its carbon reduction targets whilst also saving money; b.) that refurbishment, including naturally ventilated options, can deliver buildings that perform well in extreme summers in future climates; and c.) that refurbishment does not cost in excess of new-build construction. Various papers have been published; the film discusses two of the project's case studies. |
