The University of California, Irvine and its health system, UCI Health, will install two solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays atop a new parking garage at its innovative, all-electric, zero-emissions medical campus in Orange County . UCI Health is working on this project with Ameresco, Inc., a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
This initiative is a major step toward UCI Health's goal of achieving carbon neutrality and sourcing 100% clean energy. This, along with the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care, will make the new UCI Health – Irvine Campus Medical Complex one of the most sustainable medical facilities in the country.
UCI Health – Irvine Medical Campus will open in 2024, with outpatient care provided in the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care and the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Outpatient Care Building. The final phase will include a 144-bed acute care hospital and is expected to open in 2025, providing state-of-the-art medical care to the surrounding area.
In addition to rooftop solar panels on the parking lot, there are several sustainable and healthy elements incorporated into the UCI Health – Irvine Campus Medical Complex.
Facade design: Reduce solar heat gain and glare while preserving views. Window fritting: Reduces solar heat gain and reduces danger to birds. Glass: Natural light reduces the need for energy for lighting. Energy Efficiency: All-electric central utility plants do not rely on natural gas combustion for primary building heating or domestic water heating. Natural Environment: Outdoor areas easily accessible to patients, visitors, and staff. Coastal Landscapes: Natural landscaping and trails adjacent to the San Joaquin Marsh Preserve. Tilt system: Provides universal accessibility. Go for a walk through the wetlands and natural scenery
Ameresco will be responsible for the turnkey design, engineering, financing arrangements, and construction of the new PV system. In addition, Ameresco will provide operations and maintenance services to ensure optimal system performance throughout the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) term. With a total capacity of approximately 1.4 MW, the PV array is expected to generate more than 2.3 million kWh of clean energy in the first year alone, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of more than 200 homes.
“By supporting the construction of the nation's first all-electric, zero-emissions hospital campus, we are not only advancing UCI Health's sustainability goals, but also helping UCI Health fulfill its core mission of 'discovery, “Education, Healing'' said Lou Maltezos, Executive Vice President of Ameresco. “We are proud to collaborate with UCI Health on this groundbreaking initiative, which will deliver long-term energy savings and operational stability, setting a new standard for the healthcare industry. It's a big win for everyone.”
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