Hospitals wards in low energy buildings: paying heed to patient thermal comfort

In this research, these two perspectives are included in examining the lowering of building energy use. In situ measurements are compared with thermal omfort feedback from 169 individual patients, who participated voluntarily, in two hospitals during
summer and autumn. Energy demand is determined ith dynamic building performance simulations and energy performance calculations. Independent of hospital or season, for most patients (76%, N=156),
indoor temperatures between 21°C and 23°C were experienced as comfortable. Warmer indoor temperatures must be possible for patients who may need it due to personal preference or health conditions. Operable
windows are desired by half of the patients and could contribute to reducing overheating hours and cooling demand when opened at prescribed outdoor conditions. The findings show that design solutions for transforming
hospital wards from multi-patient to single patient rooms, while simultaneously improving the measured and perceived indoor climate and reducing energy consumption to contribute towards realisation of nZEB Hospitals, are possible and available.