Green Hospitals for Good Health

Group Name: 
PTPH
Elissa D. Emde
The Evergreen State College
Using sustainable ideals in the Hospital and health-center setting to provide comforting and responsible care.
Problem: 

Hospitals are sterile environments, which are hardly comforting and conducive to healing and serenity. While sterility is necessary, looking and feeling sterile isn't. While providing more aesthetically comfortable and environmentally responsible environments, hospitals should aim for a more sustainable future. Currently hospitals and care facilities produce copious amount of hazardous waste, as well as waste in general.

Context: 

The current hospital system is over-crowded with patients and generally there is not enough time or effort put into designing and maintaining truly serene healing environments.

Discussion: 

While the patient population is one that is particularly vulnerable, especially while admitted to the hospital. We must recognize their need not only for the physical healing that comes along with stitches or a new pace maker, but the recognition of the importance and power of emotional and mental healing.

Solution: 

By utilizing sustainable building techniques, green spaces and color palates derived from nature, hospitals could still maintain their sterile environment without the “sterile” feel. It is important to realize the healing power of environ nuances, staring at a white wall in a room without any views of green spaces will not put ones mind at ease like a natural colored wall with soothing art and views of outside nature. Besides the positive healing aspects of green design, it is our responsibility as stewards to this planet to treat it, and our sick, with respect.
Sustainability is a theme that sorely needs to be acknowledged by major hospitals, there are many ways to achieve sustainability besides green building materials; by donating un-used “compromised” goods hospitals can reduce waste while providing much needed supplies to third-world health efforts.

Categories: 
social
Categories: 
resources
Reference: 
http://www.remedyinc.org/
Verbiage for pattern card: 

Hospitals are sterile environments, which are hardly comforting and conducive to healing and serenity. By utilizing sustainable building techniques, green spaces and color palates derived from nature, hospitals could still maintain their sterile environment without the “sterile” feel. It is important to realize the healing power of environ nuances, staring at a white wall in a room without any views of green spaces will not put ones mind at ease like a natural colored wall with soothing art and views of outside nature. Besides the positive healing aspects of green design, it is our responsibility as stewards to this planet to treat it, and our sick, with respect.

Pattern status: 
Draft