As the global emphasis on sustainability intensifies, healthcare infrastructure has begun to reflect the principles of environmental responsibility. Green hospitals, designed with ecological considerations at their core, represent the future of healthcare facilities. By integrating flexible design strategies, energy efficiency, and innovative technologies, these institutions aim to provide advanced medical care while minimizing their environmental footprint.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Green hospitals are inherently dynamic and designed to accommodate technological advancements and future expansions with minimal disruption. Modular planning allows for the replication and duplication of spaces such as outpatient rooms, ICUs, and diagnostics, reducing the need for significant reconstruction. Spaces like lobbies and conference rooms can be envisioned as multi-purpose areas, adaptable into quarantine wards or intensive care units during emergencies such as the recent Covid-19.

Efficient Indoor Environments

Ambient indoor air quality is critical in hospitals, where patients are often vulnerable to hospital-acquired infections. Hospital orientation and climatic considerations play a vital role in ensuring natural ventilation and daylight optimisation, reducing energy consumption and enhancing patient recovery and staff productivity. Fire compliance and lighting systems further enhance the safety and usability of these spaces. Natural air infusion into buildings is essential, as research has shown that air conditioning systems can circulate harmful particles, such as microorganisms, exacerbating the spread of diseases. Hospitals can be designed with pandemic situations in mind, ensuring a safe and adaptable healthcare environment.

Sustainability in Materials

Construction materials used in green hospitals are selected for their environmental benefits. Usage of materials such as fly ash bricks, bio-bricks, low-VOC paints, high-performance glass, solar cells, and plant walls are all viable options with low environmental impact. Regional materials, such as natural stones and bamboo from nearby quarries, help reduce transport costs and integrate local resources. Permeable landscapes and roads contribute further to ecological harmony, ensuring green hospitals remain environmentally conscious throughout their lifecycle.

Energy Efficiency in Green Hospitals

Energy consumption in hospitals typically accounts for a significant portion of operational costs. A robust Building Management System (BMS) helps green hospitals monitor and optimize energy usage in real time. Passive design strategies, such as natural shading, ventilation, and envelope optimization, minimize dependency on artificial cooling and heating systems. Renewable energy sources like solar panels are incorporated to offset energy demands. These designs not only cut costs but also ensure pandemic-ready environments by mitigating risks associated with traditional air conditioning systems.

The Role of Digitalisation in Sustainability

Digital healthcare solutions play a pivotal role in the sustainability of green hospitals. Systems like Hospital Information Systems (HIS), Electronic Health Records (EHR), and Picture Archival and Communication Systems (PACS) streamline operations while reducing paper usage. Tele-medicine and mobile healthcare applications extend access to healthcare services, minimising the need for physical infrastructure and supporting the goal of sustainable healthcare delivery.

Catering to Cultural and Regional Needs

Designing a green hospital requires an understanding of regional climatic conditions, cultural practices, and healthcare needs. In India, public hospitals often prioritize cost efficiency and volume, while private hospitals focus on patient privacy and modern amenities. The use of high-performance glass and optimal building orientation ensures alignment with regional climatic data, avoiding excessive glass facades. By incorporating locally sourced materials and accounting for societal fabric, green hospitals in India address the diverse needs of various demographics.

Holistic Healing and Green Hospitals

Green hospitals are more than eco-friendly structures; they represent a philosophy of holistic healing and community welfare. By integrating natural elements such as landscaped gardens and open spaces, they create environments conducive to recovery. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress, accelerate healing, and improve the overall well-being of patients and staff, reinforcing the vital connection between healthcare and the environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Transitioning to green hospitals involves challenges, including higher initial costs and the need for specialised expertise. However, public-private partnerships, government incentives, and subsidies for green technologies can help overcome these barriers. By setting a precedent for sustainable practices, green hospitals not only transform healthcare but also inspire other sectors to adopt eco-friendly strategies. These institutions balance advanced medical care with environmental responsibility, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Nandini Bazaz is the Director – Architecture at HOSMAC.