Orange County Bulletin (April 29th)

Author

Eric Nguyen
April 29, 2024

Welcome to The Orange County Bulletin (April 29th)

Local News

Irvine to Welcome Nation's First All-Electric, Zero-Emission Hospital in 2025

UCI Health is constructing potentially the first all-electric, zero-emission hospital in the country in Irvine.

Joe Brothman, UCI Health's Director of Facilities, noted that this project is garnering significant attention.

"This facility represents the future of how hospitals and other high-energy-demand buildings will be constructed," stated Brothman.

He emphasized that sustainability has not typically been a priority in hospital design.

"Hospitals operate 24/7. The constant operation and specific airflow needs in hospitals make our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems more intense than those of typical buildings," explained Brothman.

These systems traditionally rely heavily on carbon combustion.

However, UCI Health Irvine is set to break the mold. Unlike most hospitals that use natural gas for heating and cooling, this facility utilizes electric boilers and chillers, enhancing sustainability.

Brothman pointed out that a significant portion of the electricity used at this site comes from renewable sources on the UCI grid.

The facility's all-electric Central Utility Plant will oversee operations, including air source heat pumps, which benefit from the area's mild coastal climate.

"Similar to conventional heat pumps in homes or offices, these can operate in both directions to leverage the external temperature for heating or cooling our systems," Brothman added.

Located at the intersection of Jamboree Road and Birch Street, the campus features primary and ambulatory care services, a cancer center, and a nearly 150-bed general acute care hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.

Two of the four new buildings are expected to open in May. Donna Hurt, Ambulatory Practice Manager, shared her excitement about contributing to the health system's sustainability targets, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

"This is a win for the environment. We're not just healing patients; we're helping heal our planet," said Hurt.

The hospital is slated to open in late 2025.

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in Orange County this week. This is a good mix between sports, entertainment, concerts, conferences, and more.

Sports

Los Angeles Angels vs Oakland Athletics Angel Stadium Wednesday June 26th | 1:07 PM | (more info)

Los Angeles Angels vs Houston Astros Angel Stadium Sunday June 9th | 1:07 PM | (more info)

Orange County Flag Football Group Russell C Paris Park Saturday May 4th| 10:30 AM | (more info)

Los Angeles Angels vs Philadelpha Phillies Angel Stadium Wednesday May 1st | 1:07 PM | (more info)

Entertainment

Riley Green House of Blues Wednesday May 1st | 6:00 PM (more info)

Riley Green House of Blues Thursday May 2nd | 6:00 PM (more info)

Beach Life Festival Redondo Beach, CA Friday May 3rd | 12:00 AM (more info)

Joshua Bell And Larisa Martinez Segerstrom Concert Hall Sunday May 5th | 3:00 PM (more info)

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Eric Nguyen