Sustainable Healthcare: Sf. Maria Hospital's Journey to a Greener Future

By project DAPHNE

Published on 10 March 2025

Romania

Nord-Est

About this good practice

The St. Maria Emergency Hospital renovation addressed high energy costs and outdated infrastructure in healthcare, especially for children care.
This project was a must and have been motivated by cost reduction, environmental concerns, improved patient care and sustainability. It tackled a deteriorating building envelope, inefficient systems, and the need for better services. The objectives that were met through comprehensive upgrades: facade insulation, new windows, and shading; modern HVAC with solar panels; LED lighting and motion sensors; elevator modernization; an integrated building management system and infrastructure improvements (roof, facade, sidewalks, water/sewage, seismic resistance). Implementation involved phased construction and installations, with grant funding supplemented by hospital funds.
Beneficiaries include patients (50k) that benefits by improved comfort and care, staff (better working environment), the hospital itself (lower costs, modern facility), Iași County Council (positive community impact), and residents of Iași County and the North-East Region (access to improved, sustainable healthcare).

Resources needed

The project received €18M+ in EU and national funding via the ROP 2014-2020 through a call focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy in public buildings. The total project value was over €24M, with the majority covered by grants, while other elements were funded by the hospital.

Evidence of success

This practice is a comprehensive approach to building modernization, focusing on energy efficiency, improved infrastructure, and enhanced patient care. Evidence of its success includes: significant reduction in energy consumption (316.15 kWh/m²/year) and GHG (1577 t CO2 EQ/year), improved thermal comfort due to facade insulation and new windows, and a modernized facility with updated HVAC, lighting, and BMS with increased the building's seismic resistance and improved accessibility.

Potential for learning or transfer

The St. Maria Hospital rehabilitation valuable lessons due to its integrated approach to sustainable building modernization in a healthcare facility. The key success factors for transferability include:
Comprehensive Strategy: addressing multiple facets of building performance can learn from this integrated strategy.
Focus on Energy Efficiency:The emphasis on measurable energy reductions and GHG prevention provides a compelling case for similar investments in other regions facing high energy costs and environmental concerns.
Adaptability:While the specifics of the project (e.g size, climate) may vary across regions, the core principles (efficiency, digital) are adaptable. Other regions can tailor the solutions to their specific contexts.
Collaborative governance:The project demonstrates the role of local and regional authorities in driving sustainable development through healthcare infrastructure investments. This leadership can inspire and encourage similar projects in other regions.