The first lecture I attended involved choosing an alternative and appropriate energy source. Healthcare facilities such as a hospitals or nursing homes require a large energy load to run their facilities. Local alternative energy sources (i.e. gas driven combined heat and power units or CHP that generate heat simultaneously using alternative methods) are more efficient and better control emissions, so can save money as compared to traditional grid sources. This lecture explored the benefit of having a central plant energy source using various alternative nonfossil fuel options such as biomass using wood chips, pellets, food waste etc. Representatives from the Viessmann Group presented the pros and cons of these systems on a case by case basis, comparing the emissions and environmental impact of each. Viessmann concluded that the ROI of these alternative sources can be realized as quickly as 3 years.

Graham Salzberg