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Interior areas without access to an outside wall can benefit from the use of task lighting versus overhead fluorescent lights. In a patient unit hallway for example, there's no reason to design for more than 25 foot-candles. A reduced lighting level in corridors not only saves energy but creates a sense of calm and comfort for patients and their families. It also tends to lower voices in the halls and in nurse stations. Another benefit is lower eye strain and reduced fatigue.

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There are ways to zone a site in terms of the intensity of plant material, and the degree of maintenance and irrigation required if the facility sits on a large tract of land. What's important to note is that not every part of a hospital's open space requires a manicured lawn or trees in order to create a high-quality outdoor environment. In fact, a diverse landscape adds interest and context to most sites

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A growing number of hospitals are becoming more interested in a sustainable approach to healthcare design. There seems to be a lot of uncertainty, however, about implementing it. Concerns typically revolve around initial costs, schedule and return on investment. With an educated and organised design approach, implementing sustainable methods is not only becoming less costly, but also more the rule than the exception

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Without question, building construction has a significant impact on the environment, not only in terms of how it alters the landscape, but also in terms of material and energy consumption and waste generation. Consider these numbers: over 65 per cent of the US' electricity is consumed by building construction and occupancy. Globally, more than 40 per cent of the earth's raw materials are consumed in the name of building construction and occupancy

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Russell A Sedmak Vice PresidentHeery International, USA 
 

It's getting harder to read a newspaper or watch the television without seeing news about the impact of global warming. While the debate about cause and effect is certain to continue, it is clear to a growing number of people that we must reduce the consumption of natural resources and the emissions of carbon into the atmosphere

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Sustainable Hospital Design

Beyond the numbers 

The new trend to design and build hospitals using sustainable technology, renewable resources and systems designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions is making it possible to achieve higher building performance in terms of reduced energy consumption, improved indoor air quality and a supportive healing environment

High – rise buildings

High –rise buildings

Office buildings 

The first high – rise buildings were office blocks. Lower floors usually contained shops and stores with sales areas throughout and no atria