A labyrinth of energy lives on the east end of the Tower Garage at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH).
This maze of electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems – called the Central Utility Plant (CUP) – will be the powerhouse of the new Critical Care Tower (CCT).
UNMH Facilities Director Bryan Rowland is ready to see the CUP in action when the new tower officially debuts in 2024.
The hospital expansion is a substantial contribution to our community and to all New Mexicans. The CUP will provide the CCT with reliable utilities, enabling UNMH to deliver improved patient care
“The hospital expansion is a substantial contribution to our community and to all New Mexicans,” Rowland said. “The CUP will provide the CCT with reliable utilities, enabling UNMH to deliver improved patient care.”
The CUP functions as a giant mechanical heart that supplies the utilities any building needs to operate. A network of pipes and conduits will directly connect the CUP to the CCT, transporting utilities like normal power, emergency generator power, chilled water and hot water.
The CCT will depend on the CUP 24 hours a day to keep the lights on, to cool medical equipment and everything in between.
The CUP also comes with a Building Automation System, which will allow the UNMH maintenance team to monitor all utilities and ensure that the facility is operating at its fullest potential.
One of the CUP’s most prominent features is its eco-friendliness.
Rowland and his team diligently studied the CUP’s environmental impact prior to the start of construction. They considered several factors, including the current hospital’s emissions footprint.
“The Facilities Department plays an important role in making sure that we are responsible advocates for this large equipment,” said Rowland. “We want to minimize our carbon footprint as much as possible.”
Therefore, the CUP will contain the most energy-effective systems available. The equipment includes high-efficiency boilers, chillers and generators.
At the conclusion of construction, the CUP will enable the CCT to achieve a LEED Silver certification as prescribed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED-certified buildings are proven to save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people. They play a critical role in addressing the climate crisis, meeting Environmental Social and Governance goals, enhancing resilience and supporting more equitable communities.
UNMH plans to temporarily test the CUP equipment in the spring of 2023 prior to the opening of the Critical Care Tower.
To learn more, visit https://unmhealth.org/locations/tower.html.