The Intersection of Evidence-Based Design and Green
May 15, 2009
Today’s tip is about considering how the ideas of evidence-based design and sustainability may intersect in health care facilities.
Evidence-based design is the idea that particular design and operation strategies in health care facilities can have a positive effect on patient outcome and worker productivity. Recently, the idea that green design strategies and evidence-based design strategies are complementary has taken off.
For example, a study titled “The Impact of Light on Outcomes in Healthcare Settings” by The Center for Health Design in 2006 concluded that “adequate and appropriate exposure to light is critical for health and well-being of patients as well as staff in health care settings. Natural light should be incorporated into lighting design in health care settings, not only because it is beneficial to patients and staff, but also because it is light delivered at no cost and in a form that most people prefer.”
Natural light also reduces the need for artificial light, which reduces energy use – a green strategy.
On the operations side, one example of the evidence-based design / green intersection is green cleaning practices. More specifically, reducing disinfectants, which are toxic by design, by differentiating areas within the facility which don’t really need to be disinfected, such as administrative areas, waiting room, hallways, restrooms and other nonclinical areas.
By identifying the high-touch and critical care areas that specifically do require disinfectant, and using it only in those areas, indoor air quality is improved and health issues related to disinfectant can be reduced.
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