Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013 - (Page 17)

“not only did tHese [gReen Roofs] pRovide value foR ouR leed ceRtification, but tHey tied into ouR building tHeme of leaRning and Healing witHnatuRe—Recognizing tHe impoRtance of an enviRonment of caRe tHat suppoRts RecoveRy and Healing.” gil pak focused on structural and material performance, for example. The response from patients and staff following the installation of two highly visible green roofs in 2008 was an unexpected surprise! The flowering sedums transformed a painfully uninspiring scene of concrete and stone. Occupants in surrounding reception and treatment areas voiced a strong preference for these natural views. Of course, the role of nature and biophilic design is prominent in modern healthcare—this will be a principle driver for future green roofs at our hospital. den was designed for them and enhancing their care. It has more than met that goal. It is a functional therapeutic environment that helps patients establish their “new normal.” It’s an oasis—priceless! Timothy: Deferring costly roof replacements well beyond the industry standard of twenty years is just money in the bank—money better invested in the next breakthrough in cancer treatment or heart disease! On the other hand, the perceived health benefits, while mostly anecdotal, are very interesting. Physical and visual access to nature is associated with reduced stress q: HAS THE GREEN ROOf INVESTMENT and improved patient outcomes. But more, pAID Off? CAN yOU EVALUATE THE fINANCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH the integration of green spaces may create optimal “touch points” where patients and BENEfITS? WOULD yOU DO IT AGAIN? Dianne: Schwab is an acute care rehabilita- their families can find socialization and tion hospital, caring for patients with spinal emotional support—both vital components in the healthcare experience. cord injuries, brain injury and for patients Would we do it again? We’re progressing who have experienced strokes or who have had amputations. From the outset, the gar- now on the largest expansion of roof gardens and green spaces in the history of Duke Medicine. So, I guess the answer is “Yes”... Jennifer Foden Wilson is the editor of the Living Architecture Monitor magazine. FIND OUT MORE Duke sustainability: http://sustainability. duke.edu/campus_initiatives/buildings/ index.html Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital: http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/ childrens/home/newbuilding Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital research report: http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/ content.aspx?id=2143 Green Guide for Health Care: www.gghc.org http://sustainability.duke.edu/campus_initiatives/buildings/index.html http://sustainability.duke.edu/campus_initiatives/buildings/index.html http://sustainability.duke.edu/campus_initiatives/buildings/index.html http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/childrens/home/newbuilding http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/childrens/home/newbuilding http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/content.aspx?id=2143 http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/content.aspx?id=2143 http://www.gghc.org http://www.turfdiag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013
Contents
From The Founder
Strata
On the Roof With...
Policy and Standards
Current Research
Living Architecture Meets Hurricane Sandy
How Healthy Is Your Hospital?
Leadership
Product
Plant
Conference
Project
Project
Project
New Corporate Members
Professional Calendar
GRHC Board Member Updates
GRHC Buyer’s Guide
The Lucky 7

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013