5 Steps to Building a Sustainable Hospital – and Reasons to Make the Move

Modern hospitals require massive amounts of energy to operate efficiently, resulting in large utility costs and even larger carbon footprints. In fact, according to  The Lancet Planetary Health journal, the healthcare sector is responsible for anywhere from 3% to 10% of all carbon emissions worldwide. The typical hospital also generates vast amounts of waste material in the form of food, paper and plastics, the majority of which is not recycled

As the impact of climate change becomes ever-more apparent, the need for sustainable hospitals has never been more evident. While achieving sustainability poses a significant challenge, it is possible to design hospitals in a way that protects the environment while continuing to improve patient wellbeing and recovery time, as well as staff retention rates.

The Financial Benefits of Sustainable Build

While a growing number of providers are becoming interested in sustainable hospital builds, many remain uncertain about their ability to implement such a plan, with cost being a primary concern.

To be sure, sustainable materials frequently come with a higher price tag than their non-green counterparts. For example, echo-friendly insulated tinted glass generally costs more to manufacture and is more complicated to install than thin, untinted glass. Windows made from it may also require the use of more durable – and more expensive – framing to keep the glass securely in place.

But while the initial outlay for a sustainable build will likely come in higher in the short-term, over time, those costs will be offset by energy savings that will ultimately reduce a hospital’s overall operational costs. In fact, according to one recent study, the U.S. healthcare industry could actually save as much as $15 billion over 10 years simply by adopting more sustainable practices. That translates into millions of dollars in savings for any individual hospital that opts to implement efficiency initiatives, waste reduction efforts, and environmentally responsible purchasing programs.

The Path to Hospital Sustainability

There are many ways hospital design and operation can be made more sustainable. Below are five of the most effective:

Local Purchasing Initiatives

Hospitals consume a tremendous amount of food, supplies, and materials. Purchasing from locally based suppliers reduces shipping costs and cuts down on energy consumption associated with transport. Procuring foods from local farms and business translates to fresher, tastier meals, and ultimately higher rates of patient satisfaction. Supporting local enterprises also creates jobs and wealth, helping to strengthen the local community. Finally, a reliance on local vendors also reduces the potential for shortages caused by natural disasters and other supply chain-disrupting events.

Focus on Water Conservation

Hospitals that opt for water-conserving toilets, faucets, showers, and dishwashers can reduce their water consumption costs by as much as 40%. Depending on the local climate, water collection and flow management systems also offer an opportunity for increased sustainability and protection of neighboring land. Stored water on site can potentially be used for irrigation of hospital grounds.

Reducing Hospital Waste

The massive amount of waste generated by hospitals increases operational expenses over the lifetime of the building, especially as the cost of natural resources continues to rise. Composting food wastes and recycling initiatives – with recycling bins conveniently placed for both patients and staff – can go a long way to reducing hospital waste. Non-hazardous waste can also be reduced by using hand-dryers rather than paper towels in bathrooms; stocking reusable bedpans, water pitchers, and other items rather than disposable; and using washable dishes and utensils in the hospital cafeteria.

Keep Green Initiatives Top-of-Mind When Planning

Sustainability should be part of every hospital’s strategic business plan and a driving force behind every initiative and infrastructure improvement. Today’s hospital building plans should include space for bike storage, special (i.e., more convenient) parking areas for low-emission vehicles, and space for EV charging stations. Also consider eco-friendly bus shuttles to promote greener forms of transportation, a green roof for more efficient cooling, and underground collection systems to conserve stormwater for use in irrigation.

Build with Green Materials

With green construction starting to gain a foothold everywhere, finding renewable and environmentally friendly materials for hospital construction is easier than ever. Recycled materials, low-emission paint, FSC-certified wood, motion-sensing lights, and plants that assist in air conditioning can all help reduce a hospital’s carbon footprint. As we noted earlier, these materials will pay for themselves in the long run. As an added bonus, renewable materials often help promote a healthier, more natural, and more tranquil hospital environment for both patients and staff.

First Products is Committed to Sustainable Hospitals

If you’re looking to build a more sustainable hospital, First Products can help. We’ve had the privilege of serving the medical community since 1945, and we’re ready to partner with hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers to ensure the success of their green initiatives.

From Move-It telemedicine carts and tablet roll stands to EMR/EHR charting technology, our innovative, high-quality, HIPAA compliant solutions will help you maximize space, improve workflows, and reduce wastes and energy costs across your facility. Our unparalleled commitment to customer service, highly experienced sales support, dedication to long-term customer satisfaction, and industry-best warranties have earned First Healthcare the trust and respect of providers throughout the United States and worldwide.

To learn more about how our perfect-fit solutions can help your sustainability efforts move forward, please contact First Products at 800.854.8304.