Green healthcare design knowledge no longer an 'extra'

Design firms now need to have extensive sustainability expertise even to be considered for new projects

By Healthcare Facilities Today


The business environment for sustainability in healthcare is rapidly changing, according to an article on the Healthcare Design magazine website. The Affordable Care Act and reductions in Medicare reimbursements are pressuring hospital CEOs to reduce operating costs and overhead. They are often turning to green initiatives to ease the burden. 

This push is causing healthcare design professionals to adjust their approach to sustainability. Once an additional service, design firms now need to have extensive sustainability expertise even to be considered for new projects. 

Designers shouldn’t simply acknowledge these changes in the business environment; they need to look for ways to provide even more value to clients through sustainable initiatives that will improve the bottom line, the article said.

When designers are working on sustainability initiatives for a new project, the definition of what that might be is expanding beyond energy and water conservation and using recycled materials, according to the article. Eliminating toxins in building materials is also a common request.

Read the article.

 

 



November 19, 2013


Topic Area: Energy Efficiency


Recent Posts

The Impact of Acoustics on Patient Privacy

As healthcare facilities evolve toward more open and flexible care environments, acoustic privacy has become essential.


Texas Behavioral Health Center in Dallas Opens with Ribon-Cutting Ceremony

The 456,265-square-foot facility offers a variety of therapeutic, recreational and social spaces that prepare patients for life outside the hospital.


Banner Health to Sell Banner Lassen Medical Center to Quorum Health

The transaction is expected to be completed in December 2026, pending required regulatory approvals.


What Accessibility in Senior Care Facilities Should Look Like

The future of design for senior care facilities should go beyond compliance.


Why Identity Governance Is Becoming a Facilities Management Issue

As healthcare buildings grow more connected, weak identity controls can expose HVAC, security and other critical systems to serious risk.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.