BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: DESIGNING AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN MALAYSIA

• Published in: Malaysian Construction Research Journal
• Main Author: Muhammad J.; Ismail A.A.; Arman M.F.; Shahbudin M.S.A.; Sulong Z.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Construction Research Institute of Malaysia 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85202534321&partnerID=40&md5=ca51a2a8f7c11f5bf229977db6ae6f46

As Malaysia strives to enhance its healthcare infrastructure, designing energy-efficient public hospitals becomes crucial. This paper aims to explore the concept of energy efficiency in the context of public hospital design in Malaysia. Based on a comparison of the findings of several previous scholars and their relation to public issues, the researcher has discovered studies pertaining to passive design for the energy efficiency of public hospitals in Malaysia. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to identify the success criteria for passive design commonly used by designers, especially architects, for local public hospital design projects. By incorporating sustainable practices and utilizing innovative technologies, the proposed design aims to minimize energy consumption, reduce carbon footprint, and promote environmental sustainability. Expert sampling was employed and data were derived from semi-structured interviews. Research objectives were established to minimize the potential for overrepresentation of dominant perspectives and limit potential bias. Moreover, this study considers various aspects such as building orientation, efficient layout, natural and artificial lighting, efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and other mechanical systems. The findings highlight the potential benefits of an energy-efficient design, including reduced operational costs, improved patient comfort, and a positive environmental impact. The research also addresses potential challenges and provides recommendations for effective implementation. © 2024, Construction Research Institute of Malaysia. All rights reserved.