Cutting energy consumption and enhancing comfort

Ann Vandycke, an architect and the head of the Technical Department at Belgian care organisation, Mintus, examines some of the latest innovations in building technologies – from renewable energy solutions such as geothermal heat pumps, to predictive building control systems, and the use of sensors to monitor the indoor environment and patient/resident comfort. With an ageing population in many countries, she suggests we can expect to see increasing short-to-medium term engineering innovation in such fields, both to reduce energy consumption, and to provide more ‘tailored’ and personalised care.

n an ever-evolving society, technology cannot stand still. An ageing population forces us to rethink existing structures and processes and even to redefine them. Research has shown that technology in healthcare will be of paramount importance to keep healthcare accessible in countries such as Belgium, which have an ageing population. It will have an important role in meeting the rapidly growing need for care in a labour market where staff are becoming scarce – ensuring both quality and efficiency. In short, technology creates effciencies, freeing time to focus on the core task of delivering care.

Technology in care settings can be divided into four main categories: technology that supports clients/patients, technology that supports providers in their delivery of care, technology that supports processes, and technology that supports the building in terms of management, comfort, and energy performance. Often these four categories are closely intertwined, however.