Nina Armstrong, Director of Market Development | GBI
Healthcare facilities have much to consider. They are places we come to heal, yet the built environment itself plays a crucial role in health outcomes. They prioritize patient wellness but must also manage energy efficiency, healthy design, and operational costs. The good news? There’s a way to do it all—by embracing sustainable design building owners and operators are also improving health outcomes, reducing carbon emissions, and creating spaces that truly serve the people inside them and the communities they reside in.
Sustainability does more than reduce environmental impact—it improves outcomes. Whether it’s through biophilic design, smarter material choices, or energy-efficient systems, the key to the design and operation of healthcare facilities lies at the intersection of sustainability, decarbonization, and occupant wellness.
Think about the spaces where you feel most at peace. Chances are, they have ample natural light, clean and fresh air, and a connection to nature. That’s no coincidence—biophilic design has a measurable impact on stress reduction, cognitive function, and overall well-being. In healthcare, this means better patient recovery rates, lower staff burnout, and improved indoor air quality.
But it goes beyond aesthetics and the environments humans fare best in. Biophilic design strategies can also drive down energy use. Maximizing daylight reduces dependence on artificial lighting, cutting energy demand and lowering operational costs. Thoughtfully designed natural ventilation systems decreases reliance on HVAC systems, reducing both energy consumption and carbon emissions. Responsibly sourced timber sequesters carbon and requires less energy-intensive manufacturing than steel or concrete. Similar are plants and green walls with their ability to improve air quality and mitigate urban heat island effect.
Material selection is another important consideration. Beyond deciding on what will look the nicest—it’s about what performs well for both the planet and the patients and staff inside the building. The right choices can simultaneously reduce embodied carbon, improve indoor air quality, and create healthier environments. Low -VOC materials mean fewer harmful chemicals in the air, supporting health & wellness. Choosing responsibly sourced and third-party certified wood ensures a lower carbon footprint. Incorporating recycled and biobased materials reduces waste and limits the need for energy-intensive new materials. Selecting eco-certified composites ensures that materials meet strict sustainability and environmental health criteria.
Healthcare facilities can be high-stress environments. The right thermal and acoustic strategies can dramatically improve comfort and well-being and have the added benefit of increased efficiency. A well-designed building envelope minimizes heat loss and gain, ensuring comfortable temperatures without excessive energy use. Thermal comfort should be considered based on the function of each space—a patient recovery room should have different thermal conditions than a high-traffic waiting area. Noise pollution is a major stressor in healthcare settings, and thoughtful acoustic design in the early stages prevents costly fixes later on.
How people get to and move within a healthcare facility is just as important to consider. Choosing a site with transportation options nearby reduces emissions, improves accessibility, and improves the local environment and community that the facility serves. Providing EV charging stations and promoting carpooling reduces traffic congestion and cuts pollution. Thoughtful site design that prioritizes pedestrian access and green spaces promotes both physical and mental well-being.
Sustainable design and operations are the foundation for building a better future. Healthcare facilities that integrate wellness, decarbonization, and smart design choices are doing more than reducing their environmental impact—they’re also improving the lives of the community members that depend on the health services and facilities they provide.
This isn’t a trend. It’s the new standard. The question is, are we ready to commit to building spaces that truly support both people and the planet? The answer should be obvious.