The Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) is the largest French‑language teaching hospital in North America and one of the largest public‑private partnership projects on the continent. The project incorporates True 3Å® heat recovery and enthalpy wheel technology to support high indoor air quality and energy recovery. The system enables the hospital to utilize 100% outside air while reducing energy consumption.
Key Facts
- Largest French‑language teaching hospital in North America
- Largest public‑private partnership (P3) project to date in North America
- Delivered in two phases: Phase 1 in 2016 (over 85% clinical space), Phase 2 in 2020
- 2.5 million sq. ft. facility
- Serves: 345,000 ambulatory patients, 22,000 inpatients, 65,000 emergency patients annually
- 772 single‑patient rooms
- Includes ambulatory and diagnostic centres, surgery, intensive care, laboratories, and research covering 35 medical disciplines
- Designed to meet LEED Silver standards
- 47 energy recovery units supplied
- 2.8 million CFM of outside air provided
- Utilizes True 3Å® heat recovery enthalpy wheels
- Estimated annual reductions: over 40,000 tons of carbon emissions and 14.5 million gallons of cooling tower water
Challenge
Maximize indoor air quality and energy recovery in a large healthcare facility while eliminating recirculated air and avoiding cross‑contamination risks.
Solution
CHUM implemented 47 energy recovery units using SEMCO True 3Å® heat recovery and enthalpy wheel technology. The design provides 100% outside air and employs molecular sieve desiccant engineered to prevent cross‑contamination, recover humidity, and enhance ventilation effectiveness. Anti‑microbial coating (AVRON 46) was applied to the wheels to further support air quality.
Results
- High indoor air quality achieved using 100% outdoor air
- Significant recovery of temperature and humidity across seasons
- Reduced dependence on mechanical humidification in winter
- Reduced energy costs through temperature and humidity recovery
- Estimated reductions of over 40,000 tons of carbon emissions annually
- Estimated 14.5 million gallons of cooling tower water saved annually
Products Used
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