Turning Healthcare Green: A Case for Sustainable Healthcare

The author, an experienced healthcare architect, specifier, and green building advocate, claims the healthcare industry has been slow to realize the rewards achieved through sustainability. He contends that hospitals are seen as important institutions in our society; however, for those institutions to maintain the respect they have earned, they need to be able to demonstrate that they are indeed a source of health for our communities, both symbolically and practically. By employing green building practices in the operation and construction of healthcare facilities, the industry can demonstrate its respect for its community and the environment.

The Academy Journal is published by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH). The Journal is the official publication of the AAH and explores subjects of interest to AIA-AAH members and to others involved in the fields of healthcare architecture, planning, design and construction.