Prioritization of passive measures for energy optimization designing of sustainable hospitals and health centres

Hospitals and health centres consume a vast amount of energy due to various reasons such as working hours and using different appliances. As most of the countries are moving through sustainability and reducing energy consumption, a solution must be provided to optimize energy consumption in the mentioned sector. Passive strategies are suitable solutions for the existing issue. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify and rank the mentioned strategies for using in designing hospitals and health centres of Shiraz. In order to do so, questionnaires, interviews and literature were used as information gathering tools. Then data were analysed by two of the latest MCDM (Multi Criterion Decision-Making) methods called BWM (Best-Worst Method) and EDAS (Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution). The identified passive strategies were placed into three categories called thermal, acoustic and lighting strategies, and prioritization was conducted for each category. According to the obtained results, “Reducing Energy Consumption”, “Compatibility with Climate” and “Durability” were the most important selection criteria. Also, it was concluded that the top suitable passive strategies in thermal, acoustic and lighting groups were “Optimizing Fenestration Design”, “Using Naturally-Ventilated Envelope” and “Using Sun Shading Devices”, respectively. Applying the produced results of this study on designing hospitals and health centres can result in less energy consumption, and help the society in moving through sustainability.