Advancing human health, safety, and well-being with healthy buildings

Abstract

More than a decade ago, the Healthier Hospitals Initiative challenged health systems to improve sustainability and safety in the healthcare sector. Since then, the design and creation of healthy healthcare buildings has become a key component of improving individual and population health, guided by the idea that built environments should facilitate, not impede, progress toward healthful lifestyles and better health outcomes. This movement is grounded in research to inform the evidence-based design process, the science and aesthetics of green and well buildings, metrics on health outcomes for patients and staff, and long-term financial benefits for healthcare organizations. This article is an informed synthesis and analysis of best practices that represent the key features of healthy buildings; discusses research-based building-design interventions, protocols, and policies that promote the creation of healthy buildings; outlines pertinent building-certification programs and standards; identifies the measurable benefits of healthy buildings for patients, staff, financial stakeholders, and communities; and recommends specific actions that hospital and health system leaders can take to make healthy buildings a reality benefiting all stakeholders Examples of institutions that have been successful in this effort are offered as possible models and sources of inspiration for organizations that aim to make their built environments healthier.