Green Spaces in Healthcare

Health of the environment, is now an important aspect of healthcare sector. A large number of hospitals are now ensuring that the patients enjoy lifelong health by enhancing their facilities. The healthcare sector in India is growing at a rapid pace, and the surge of medical tourism in India has also prompted hospitals to not only offer cutting-edge multi-speciality services but also build campuses that are of international standards that offers patients and healthcare specialists every convenience and amenity. It helps in strengthening a hospital’s reputation as one of the most trusted healthcare destinations.

New-age approach in design and structures like atriums flooding buildings with natural light and air, and extensive planting of trees creating green zones,  separate entrances for emergency, outpatients and inpatients and their attendants are some such innovations. Introducing green concepts in healthcare facilities enhances patients' health, recovery, and well-being. To this effect, some hospitals in India have invested in green cover and garden space, which includes the Miyawaki method of afforestation, a technique for cultivating fast-growing groves of native plants with dense, mixed planting intended to simulate the layers of a natural forest. All rooms have generous views of greenery. Green spaces play an important role in the concept of healing environments.

Clean and renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines efficiently reduce carbon emissions, fossil fuel use, and not only help in energy conservation but also in reducing energy costs. VFDs and timers to ensure lesser power consumption are fixed in AHUs, in addition to optimisation of running hours, temperature, and humidity to reduce the power consumed by air conditioning. Energy-saving LED lights and bulbs are used in numerable campuses. Sewage treatment plant to treat and repurpose sewage water for toilet flushing and gardening, and rainwater harvesting system help in water conservation.

Zero-infection is also another milestone that hospitals seek to achieve. Implementation of air systems that create a near zero-bacteria environment, helps in infection control. Every sustainable initiative, like the handling of bio-medical waste and consumer waste, conservation of natural resources etc., helps in completing the cycle of healthcare service.