Hospital stakeholders are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability and its implications for their building practices. Jennifer DuBose is our lead on sustainable healthcare. A policy expert, evidence-based design specialist, LEED certified professional and an expert in carbon accounting, she recently conducted a survey of sustainable healthcare practices for the Military Health System. She also recently completed a study of sustainable flooring in healthcare, studying six hospitals and surveying some 600 people. The study investigated the experience that architects, installers, facility managers and users had with alternative, green resilient flooring materials in hospital settings, focusing on several types of resilient flooring materials, including rubber, polyolefin and linoleum and came up with guidelines based on the needs and budget of the facility.
Sustainable Healthcare
Sustainable Resilient Flooring Choices for Hospitals: Perceptions and Experience of Users, Specifiers and Installers
PI: Craig Zimring/ Jennifer DuBose
Authors: Jennifer DuBose, Amaya Labrador
Introduction: Hospital stakeholders are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability and its implications for their building practices. One way that hospitals can green their buildings is by using more sustainable materials in their facilities. There has recently been a great deal of interest in finding sustainable resilient flooring solutions. Hospital flooring is a very important and visible part of the healthcare environment that can contribute to a positive experience when done well or can result in problems and negative impressions when done poorly. So, while hospitals want to use more sustainable flooring products, they are reluctant to use a product that does not have a long track record. The objective of this study was to examine the recent experiences that architects, installers, facility managers
and users have had with alternative, green resilient flooring materials in hospital settings. This research effort focused on specific resilient flooring materials, including rubber, polyolefin1 and linoleum. Sharing the user experiences is expected to demystify these lesser-known products, identify key issues, and potentially lead to increased adoption.
The Community Hospital at Ft. Belvoir Set to be a Shining Star of Sustainability
PI: Craig Zimring/Jennifer DuBose
Authors: Jennifer DuBose, Joshua Crews
Introduction: The Military Health System within the U.S. Department of Defense showcases its commitment to sustainability in the design and construction of the Community Hospital at Ft. Belvoir. The design team created a state-of-the-art healthcare facility utilizing the USGBC’s LEED program, and they have also developed a unique costing tool. The Sustainability Return on Investment (SROI) accounts for the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the project. The Community Hospital at Ft. Belvoir is an example of what is possible when a project team sets their sights high and works hard to stay true to the project mission. This new hospital will provide a superior environment for caring for our nation’s warriors while also raising the bar for sustainable construction and operation.
The Department of Defense Brings their Sustainable Design Commitment to Healthcare Facilities
PI: Craig Zimring/ Jennifer DuBose
Authors: Jennifer DuBose, Joshua Crews
Introduction: The Department of Defense has been a leader in promoting sustainability in its facilities and is poised to make an even bigger impact with commitments to increasing the energy efficiency of its building portfolio and shifting more of its energy consumption to renewable sources. Beyond requiring LEED standards in all of their new construction projects, the DoD adheres to many sustainability regulations and ordinances. Tasked with providing “World Class” facilities, the Military Health System is constructing hospitals that the private sector can look to as models for sustainable hospital design.