Sant’Orsola–Malpighi University Hospital

Trigeneration energy system

A trigeneration plant was implemented at the Bologna university hospital, as part of a programme for the technological upgrade of the hospital campus. The project included the construction of a new plant within a historic building located at the centre of the healthcare complex.

The project also included the upgrade of the underground tunnel network distributing energy across the hospital, together with the architectural and construction works required to integrate the new plant systems.

Architectural integration and sustainability

The design paid particular attention to the integration of new volumes within the historic context of the existing building. The new structures are defined by simple forms designed to relate to the architecture without altering its character.

The plant represents a significant step forward in terms of energy and environmental performance. Through the combined production of electricity, heating and cooling, it enables a substantial reduction in emissions, with an estimated saving of approximately 17,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. The project was also the only Italian case presented at the COP21 as an example of advanced energy technologies applied in a hospital context.