Energy Efficiency: Window & Wall Ratings

The big secret regarding energy efficiency in healthcare facilities is window glass, which compared to insulated walls and ceilings, is a terrible energy loser. While we expect that energy-conserving walls and ceilings will dramatically insulate against heat loss and block direct solar radiation, knowledgeable facility managers and project developers anticipate far less in the way of energy conservation from even the most energy-efficient windows.
 
The numbers speak for themselves.

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Michigan Hospital Project Wins Approval

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Chelsea Planning Commission has unanimously approved Chelsea Community Hospital’s $60 million, 110,000-square-foot expansion project.

Funds for the construction are being made available through the hospital’s 2009 merger with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.

The preliminary site plan includes a new two-story building with 48 new private patient rooms and six intensive-care-unit rooms. It is the largest construction project in the hospital’s history.

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Efficient Water Cooler

The VRCGRN pressurized water cooler from Elkay Commercial is the first GreenSpec-listed addition to the company’s family of innovative drinking water solutions. It has enhanced efficiency and water conscious functionality, and can assist in achieving LEED points. The product is constructed of 60 percent recycled content stainless steel and manufactured without using VOC-emitting paints/coatings.

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Joint Venture Set to Build Texas Hospital

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — The Seton Family of Hospitals and LHP Hospital Group today announced the establishment of a joint venture to build the Seton Medical Center Harker Heights.
 
The 180,400-square-foot, $100 million hospital will break ground in Bell County’s Harker Heights the first quarter of 2011 and open by the third quarter of 2012.

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Calif. Governor Proposes $1.7 billion in cuts to Medi-Cal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing $1.7 billion in cuts to Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, as part of his plan to close the state’s $25.4 billion budget deficit over the next 18 months.
 
The cuts would primarily work by increasing cost sharing for Medi-Cal beneficiaries and imposing limits on usage.

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