In today’s green climate, healthcare facilities are focusing more on their impact on the environment. For instance, on page 56, President and CEO Janet Davidson says Trillium Health Centre has been recognized as a leader in energy efficient practices. The hospital has locations in Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario.

Trillium has eliminated mercury from equipment used in patient treatments, while the hospital also has achieved ISO 14001 certification for environmental standards. “We continue to look at ways [in which] we can improve that,” she adds.

Additionally, on page 70, Boston-based architectural firm TRO Jung/Brannen says its healthcare clients have embraced sustainable design. “Our clients recognize that it’s easier to go out to the marketplace and get public support for a building that will have some green aspect to it,” comments Joanne McIsaac, principal for interior design.

“The relationship between healthy bodies and healthy buildings is not lost on them,” she says. “Whether it’s using recycled material or renewable energy, our healthcare clients look for us to make recommendations and guide them through the process.”

A healthcare exhibit focused on promoting green design may also be making its way near you: the Green Patient Room, which is designed to show how sustainable design can improve patient care. The exhibit is a collaboration of Anshen + Allen Architects, the Health Care Council of International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Skanska and participating vendors. 

In July, IFMA says, the room will appear at the 45th Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering in National Harbor, Md., as well as at the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo in Chicago in September.

In addition to improving efficiency, IFMA says, the room takes “practical, cost-effective steps” to reduce energy waste and improve health. For instance, “Non-toxic materials, low in volatile organic compound emissions, are used throughout the room to improve air quality and speed patient recovery,” it says.

With so many climbing aboard and the benefits involved, what are you waiting for? Right now might be the best time for you to consider greening your own facility.