Commercial Architecture May 2016 - (Page 18)

interiors PROJECT Healthcare Green Design Sustainable design cuts costs and improves patient and employee satisfaction. A Natural lighting and patient wellness go hand in hand. t one time, methods used toward achieving sus- bring natural light further into a facility, but more impor- tainable image provides. From a marketing standpoint, tainability were the exception in the healthcare tantly, in an indirect method. This helps illuminate a a healthcare facility having an increased appeal to po- industry. Green design, however, is gaining room while maintaining low levels of glare, increasing tential patients as well as staff brings an increased level comfort for patients and staff. of pride and employee satisfaction into the workplace. ground and coming closer to being the accepted standard. As more hospitals take aim at attaining some form of In such a competitive industry, employee satisfaction is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) WATERWORKS certification, staying current on industry innovations in Low-flow fixtures are become increasingly prevalent Embracing green trends should be on the mind of sustainable design is an increasingly vital best practice. throughout the country and the healthcare industry also anyone planning a healthcare facility. We have reached Thankfully, previous barriers to green building, such as follows this trend. Low-flow fixtures use high-pressure a point where the benefits can no longer be ignored. high upfront costs, have diminished substantially. Even techniques to maintain the same cleaning or other utility Concurrently, when it comes to transitioning an estab- simple changes in sustainable practices can have immedi- functions and requirements while consuming less water. lished facility toward green trends, acting sooner rather ate and long-lasting effects. A conversion to low flow is a relatively inexpensive move than later is fundamental. The majority, if not all, of for a facility and can be accomplished in a short period these methods have a compounding effect on the bot- BRIGHT START of time. Less water used results in a lower water bill and, tom line, but it goes beyond that. Acting in the present More healthcare facilities are converting to LED lighting in the case of hot water, a lower energy bill-all this while will better the health of patients, employees, and the fixtures. Along with using significantly less energy, LEDs improving sustainability. community. key to a facility's continued success. also have a much longer lifespan-some bulbs can last de- Metering is another way to increase a facility's water Our nation's buildings have a major impact on our cades. They also have fewer maintenance requirements. savings. Water metering can be installed within many sub- surrounding environments. According the U.S. Envi- LEDs do not contain mercury, not always the case with systems, such as irrigation, indoor plumbing fixtures, and ronmental Protection Agency, Washington, building other lighting options. hot-water systems and will report individual usages and construction and operations consume 72% of our elec- Occupancy sensors and vacancy sensors, which are help identify potential savings. In addition, water meter- tricity resources and 39% of total energy used. Seven- being incorporated into many different areas of facility ing can be used to monitor system performance and iden- teen percent of freshwater flows are also consumed design, have become another straightforward and popular tify irregular usage caused by failures or leaks. during the construction and operation of buildings in way to increase lighting control and lower energy costs addition to the 3-billion tons of raw materials consumed while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint. The FUTURE PLANNING each year. These are serious numbers. While they should technologies supporting these devices are becoming more Ensuring a facility is adaptable for future innovation can be taken into account at the outset of any construction and more sophisticated, often with passive infrared, ultra- save headaches down the line, and in best case scenarios project, the healthcare industry especially has a duty to sonic, and dual technologies to support many applica- may even help avoid costly major overhauls. Success in perform its proper due diligence. tions. Wireless versions aid installation and can be easily this area is born from the willingness to be flexible. Using This is an industry founded on the health and well- moved when spaces are reconfigured. sustainable building materials can further have a major being of people. Embracing sustainable methods should impact on a healthcare facility's effect on the environ- be viewed as an opportunity. More done sooner will ment as well as on patients. have profound effects well into the future. Actions can The benefits of daylighting extend beyond energy efficiency. Natural light has been shown to improve the mental and physical health of patients and healthcare employ- Vinyl flooring is a popular selection used in healthcare be taken that will have a direct effect in bettering peo- ees. According to the Department of Energy, Washington, facilities throughout the country. In contrast, linoleum is ples' lives. The phrase "growing green" in the healthcare the influence of natural lighting shows improved patient an alternative material comprised primarily of linseed oil, industry just makes sense. -Scott Creekmore, The Gord- recovery times. As a result, 12% of patients nationwide a recyclable material procured from the flax plant. When ian Group, Greenville, SC. CA have experienced reduced hospital stays while health- it comes to choosing paints and adhesives, keep an eye out care-employee absenteeism has seen reductions by as for low volatile organic compound (VOC) products-this much as 2 1/2%. will be beneficial to patients, especially the particularly There are several ways to introduce an increase in natural lighting to a healthcare facility. Light shelves, exterior vulnerable, by negating the risk of exposing them to harmful materials. and/or interior, are effective methods. These devices 18 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE MAY 2016 commercialarchitecturemagazine.com Also worth noting is the positive impact that a sus- Want more information? Circle 9 on the Reader Service Card. https://www.cdsreportnow.com/bgs/search?CBP0009201605 http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture May 2016

The Architects
Regulations Shape Hospital Design
Architectural Glass Goes First Class
Healthcare Green Design
Interiors Products
Insulation Chills Cold-Storage Facility
Exteriors Products
Dynamic Glass Transforms Elevated Oasis
High-Speed Doors Add Zip To Service Center
Windows & Doors Products
Controlling The Sun
Building Technology Products
VRF Holds Key To Detroit Renovation
Tankless Units Heat Water For 17 Stories
HVAC & Plumbing Products
Retrofit Cuts Operation Costs by 85%
Power Monitor Tracks Non-Light Loads, Too
Lighting & Electrical Products
Showcase
Index
Portfolio

Commercial Architecture May 2016