Section 1 Project Highlights HVAC for new Ambulatory Care Centre at Pierre‐Boucher Hospital Dessau was mandated to design new HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) for a vital rehabilitation and expansion project at the Pierre‐Boucher Hospital, which is the largest health care facility on Montreal’s South Shore. The project involved a 100,000 ft2 expansion and a 90,000 ft2 rehabilitation of the existing hospital. Aside from designing integrated HVAC systems in a sensitive occupied environment, Dessau’s challenge was to significantly reduce the hospital’s energy consumption. Originality and Innovation Dessau’s designers knew that they needed to undertake a creative integrated design approach since hospitals are one of the heaviest energy consumers among Canadian buildings. One reason for their high energy consumption is the significant rate of outside air, ventilation and filtration that they require to ensure air quality and comfort in accordance with applicable codes and standards. Another reason is their use of medical equipment and high‐density lighting systems that require a lot of energy and increase cooling loads. Simulation models for a number of proposed design options were prepared using EE4 and DOE2.1e simulation software. This specialized software takes into account weather data, building envelope parameters and complex building HVAC system interactions that are almost impossible to estimate by way of traditional methods. By analyzing the building’s behaviour on an hourly basis, designers were able to determine the most energy‐efficient and cost‐effective HVAC system. These simulation models helped the designers interweave a combination of original technologies so efficient that no new heating equipment was necessary despite the 100,000 ft2 expansion of the hospital. Rather than add or replace boilers to meet the expanded building’s increased heating loads, an efficient heat recovery system was installed. One of the notable features of this system involves an innovative piece of equipment, known as a direct‐contact condensing stack economizer, which recovers heat from boiler combustion gases that would normally be evacuated from the building through a chimney. This novel recovery system boosts the existing boilers’ global efficiency from 83 % to 92%, providing an additional 3,000 MBH (880 kW) of heating capacity. Other original HVAC techniques include a recovery chiller that transfers excess heat from the center of the building to the heating coils in the ventilation systems, as well as enthalpy wheels, which recover heat and humidity typically lost in exhaust air. The combination of HVAC rehabilitation, expansion and integration work provided the design team with an excellent opportunity to integrate widespread novel energy efficiency measures, which were successfully implemented and resulted in a 30% reduction in energy consumption. Revit MEP software was used to design 3D models of all mechanical rooms. These detailed designs provided unparalleled clarity prior to any site work being undertaken and helped avoid additional delays and costs due to worksite adjustments and potential construction conflicts. Since its completion, the Pierre‐Boucher Hospital project has garnered significant attention in industry circles, particularly after it was awarded 1st place at the 2011 ASHRAE Technology Awards in the “Health Care Facilities” Category. The ASHRAE Technology Awards are North America’s foremost distinction “in recognition of outstanding achievement in the design and operation of energy‐efficient buildings”. Complexity Dessau had to map out a series of complex intervention techniques in order to maintain functional services at the 340‐bed hospital during all construction work, especially in terms of the renovation of the existing hospital wing, which houses an operating block, laboratories, a sterilization center and an intensive care unit. At no point during the 30‐month renovation could any of the upgrade work interfere with the above‐mentioned hospital operations. Balancing these elements in such a critical environment CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEERING AWARDS | BUILDINGS P038205 HVAC FOR NEW AMBULATORY CARE CENTRE AT PIERRE‐ I BOUCHER HOSPITAL represented the main project challenge, as extensive upgrade work was required to bring the existing building in line with today’s more demanding codes and standards. Rigorous confinement and protection measures to fight contamination were also a major challenge as negative and positive pressures between working and occupied areas were maintained at all times to avoid dust and debris contamination in sterilized locations. The construction and installation of temporary ventilation ducts, as well as the relocation of existing services, had to be carefully planned and coordinated throughout the project. The ‘’Guide to Indoor Air Quality in Quebec Hospitals’’, published by the Quebec Ministry of Health, was used for one of the first times during the course of this major project. The section titled “Measures and Procedures for the Prevention and Control of Airborne Contamination in Hospital Environments” has now become a world‐renowned reference document. Adding to the complexity of the project was the need for seamless coordination between various professional disciplines—architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural & civil, and specialized medical equipment personnel—not to mention the sheer logistics of moving all the medical equipment. Given the scope of engineering works carried out by Dessau, many construction work packages were necessary in order to guarantee the successful completion of the project. A total of 104 multidisciplinary drawings in A0 format (large size) had to be created, detailing systems that included heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, medical gases, automation, refrigeration and pneumatic transport. Environmental Impact Dessau stood out by offering integrated solutions underpinned by high‐performance energy efficiency and sustainable development principles, selecting designs based on a Life Cycle Cost approach. According to results obtained through Natural Resource Canada’s CBIP screening tool, an energy consumption reduction of 5,257,200 kWheq (corresponding to 30%) was achieved. This reduction equals the consumption of over 325 cars or 225 single family residences during an entire year. The efficient HVAC design also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 1,152 tons/year, while the direct‐ contact condensing stack economizer helps reduce atmospheric pollution from boiler combustion gases. Also, the reuse of the existing building and its structural components greatly reduced the amount of waste produced, as well as energy and resources consumed. Social and Economic Benefits The enhanced energy performance of these innovative electromechanical systems generated savings of $210,000 a year on energy bills and also qualified the project for major federal and provincial financial incentives totalling more than $250,000. The energy efficient equipment savings resulted in a net payback period of 3.6 years. In addition to greatly reducing energy consumption and associated costs, the new HVAC designs also improved comfort levels throughout the building by way of dual duct systems, which provide greater temperature control by supplying each room according to its needs via mixing boxes. By achieving its primary objective of upgrading the quality of services offered, the project also helped greatly improve the quality of life within the building, for hospital employees, users and visitors alike. Client Satisfaction In the process of designing this modern hospital, Dessau distinguished itself by offering its client integrated solutions that incorporated energy efficiency and sustainable development principles while being cost efficient and feasible. Deadlines were strictly met thanks to an accelerated work schedule and construction budgets were respected through rigorous daily follow‐ups. Client needs were not only met but clearly exceeded, as the project helped enhance comfort in the existing area of the hospital without incurring additional costs. The Pierre‐Boucher Hospital can now efficiently serve the needs of a growing population on Montreal’s South Shore with enhanced comfort at a minimal cost. Pierre‐Boucher Hospital management expressed its satisfaction by calling on Dessau’s services for subsequent mandates. CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEERING AWARDS | BUILDINGS P038205 HVAC FOR NEW AMBULATORY CARE CENTRE AT PIERRE‐ II BOUCHER HOSPITAL Section 2 Full Project Description Table of Contents 1 PROJECT PRESENTATION 1 2 ORIGINALITY AND INNOVATION 1 2.1 INNOVATIVE DESIGN METHOD 1 2.2 A UNIQUE HVAC DESIGN 2 2.3 RESULTS 5 3 COMPLEXITY 6 3.1 WORKS CARRIED OUT IN AN OCCUPIED BUILDING 6 4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 7 4.1 CONSERVING ENERGY 7 4.2 BUILDING ENVELOPPE 7 4.3 REDUCING EMISSIONS 8 5 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS 8 5.1 REDUCING ENERGY COSTS 8 5.2 REDUCING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS 8 5.3 THERMAL COMFORT 8 6 MEETING CLIENT’S NEEDS 9 6.1 CLIENT REFERENCE LETTER 9 CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEERING AWARDS | BUILDINGS P038205 HVAC FOR NEW AMBULATORY CARE CENTRE AT PIERRE‐ I BOUCHER HOSPITAL 1 PROJECT PRESENTATION Located in the City of Longueuil on Montreal’s South Shore, the Pierre‐Boucher Hospital has been providing health care services for over 25 years. Over this span, the hospital has earned a solid reputation for the quality and effectiveness of its services and overall practices. Pierre‐Boucher Hospital As a result of a significant