How to Green a Hospital

Some hospitals that are building new facilities and improving older buildings are taking steps to be ecologically friendly. Construction, decorations and the way a hospital conducts daily business can incorporate green alternatives. Many of the green solutions fit in with the use of the physical environment to improve the health of the patient physically and emotionally.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce the prospect of respiratory problems by replacing harsh high toxin chemical cleaners with low toxin products, and try to use non-toxic organic cleaners. Buy paint, adhesives and furnishings without irritating odors or fragrances and toxic volatile organic cleaners (VOC) such as formaldehyde (see Resources).

• 2

  Improve indoor lighting to reduce the level of stress experienced by patients and staff when you green a hospital. Using larger windows, light wells and surfaces that reflect light to bring "daylight" into the hospital improves workers performance, patient recovery and saves energy.

• 3

  Use local farmers and distributors of fresh and organic foods. Besides a savings in the cost of shipping and handling, less gasoline is used which is a green benefit to the environment.

• 4

  Recycle paper, cans, bottles, plastics, furniture, equipment and other general products to green a hospital. Reuse packing and shipping materials, envelopes for in-house use and choose water-saving and energy efficient laundry equipment.

• 5

  Control and reduce the use of contaminates such as mercury and polyvinylchloride (PVC) used in many manufactured products including IV bags and tubing. The health benefits are a driving force when you green a hospital.

• 6

  Plant a healing garden to promote the health of the patients through the beauty and tranquility of the environment and by cooking with herbal plants from the garden.

• 7

  Incorporate green power and renewable energy in the hospital's energy plan, and increase air ventilation as part of the air pollution plan. Choose a site for a new hospital that can utilize alternative forms of transportation.