Buildings

Health care systems have unique responsibilities when it comes to making sure building design and construction is sustainable and safe for staff, patients, and other occupants, including making sure:

• People with any ability or disability may move around freely and safely
• The facility stands ready for any emergency and is prepared to provide continuous care no matter the external circumstances
• The indoor and exterior environments maximize patient healing and decrease the length of stay
• The indoor environment does not expose staff or patients to pollutants and chemicals of concern
• The building and grounds maintain capability and flexibility to grow and change with the changing care needs of the community

Our member hospitals have changed their thinking about the design of buildings and renovations to make them smarter and more sustainable through:

• Policies to design, construct, and renovate aligned with established environmental certification standards, such as LEED or other tools
• Purchasing/procurement policies for furnishings, flooring, wall coverings, and paint that avoid chemicals of concern
• Planning spaces like gardens and calm rooms that improve emotional well-being and promote healing

Practice Greenhealth helps members access expert advice, peer-to-peer insight, and professional input into setting baselines, identifying goals, and implementing strategies that will make their facilities safe and sustainable for patients, visitors, staff, and the surrounding community now and in the future.