La auditoría energética: una herramienta de gestión en atención primaria

objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of energy audit as a management tool in primary care to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of a health center by reducing its operating costs. method: we conducted 55 energy audits in health centers from 2005-2010. the health centers were sized between 500 and 3,500 m2, were located in health areas with 3,500 to 25,000 users, and were built between 1985 and 2007. results: with an average investment of 11,601€ per site, energy consumption can be reduced by 10,801 kwh per year, saving 2,961€ with a mean payback period of 3.92 years, and preventing emission of 7,010kg of co2. conclusions: energy auditing is a practical tool to reduce the operating and maintenance costs of health centers and of improving the comfort of the facilities.