Insights

Embracing Green: Choosing Materials to Promote Healthy Indoor Environments

Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton exterior 1

New sustainable building standards are putting a greater emphasis on healthy indoor environments. Healthcare facilities, in particular, are becoming increasingly focused on promoting healthy environments that support the wellbeing of patients, families and staff –with particular focus on indoor air quality.

Air quality control often has focused on state-of-the-art HVAC systems that reduce airborne contaminents and easy-to-clean surfaces that minimize infectious transfer. Yet industry attention is turning increaslingly toward new materials and how chemical content can adversely impact air quality, particularly in healthcare facilities where occupants often are vulnerable to infection. The long-term effect of off-gassing from building materials can contribute to respiratory problems, infection and other side effects.

But by researching safe materials used in three key spaces—common areas, surgery/procedure suites, and patient rooms—healthcare facility owners can plan healthier indoor environments.

Read the complete article in Medical Construction & Design.