Multi-million euro investment aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions
The Darmstadt Clinic is being funded as a national climate protection model project. According to the clinic, around seven million euros will be invested in energy efficiency and emissions reduction measures over the next four years.
Significant savings in energy and emissions
The use of renewable energies and the modernization of the technical infrastructure are expected to reduce energy consumption by around eleven percent. At the same time, approximately 1,186 tons of greenhouse gases are to be saved annually.
The planned measures include, among other things, photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, heat recovery from technical systems and the energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings.
Additional, non-subsidized measures – such as optimizing ventilation systems and control systems – are expected to generate further savings. Overall, this could result in additional energy savings of around eight percent and 475 tons of CO₂ per year.
Goal: Climate neutrality by 2035
In the long term, the hospital aims to operate in a greenhouse gas neutral manner by 2035 – and thus significantly earlier than international climate targets stipulate.
The science city of Darmstadt is providing non-material support for the project. A dedicated project website will provide updates on progress and results in the future.
Model for other hospitals
According to those in charge, the Darmstadt Clinic is particularly suitable as a model project because, as a maximum care provider, it meets high requirements for security of supply and energy needs.
Switching to climate-friendly energy supply while the hospital is operating is considered complex, but could serve as a model for other hospitals.
Health sector in focus of climate protection
The healthcare sector is one of the world's major emitters of greenhouse gases. At the same time, it bears responsibility for the health of the population, which is also affected by climate change.
The pilot project aims to demonstrate ways in which hospitals can be operated more sustainably and economically.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM/Klinikum)
Featured image: Energy consultant Andrey Hepting, project manager Dr. Carsten Cuny, and commercial director Sven Axt (from left to right) on the roof of the hospital. Photo: Darmstadt Hospital
