In the hospitality sector, the commitment to environmentally friendly architecture is no longer an option but an unavoidable necessity. The concepts of “sustainability” and “sustainability”, although derived from the same term in English -sustainable-, have been adopted in different ways depending on the country or region.
According to some authors, “sustainable” refers to something that maintains itself by its own means, while “sustainable” implies the support of external factors to maintain itself. Despite their etymological differences, both terms point to responsible planning that considers the present without mortgaging the future.
Construction, especially that of hospital buildings, is characterized by significant consumption of natural resources and energy. Healthcare infrastructures, which operate without interruption 365 days a year, require a different, more ecological and strategic approach.
Architecture in tune with the climate
The relationship between climate and human comfort is becoming increasingly clear. Therefore, taking climatic conditions into account in hospital design is not a minor detail, but a key aspect. Factors such as:
- the weather
- the relief
- the vegetation
- and traditional architecture
The design of the building site helps to create architectural solutions that are smarter and more adapted to the environment.
Designing with a regional outlook, considering the seasons and local particularities, can lead to very different decisions: to let sunlight in or to protect from it, to allow cross ventilation or to block the wind, to conserve heat or to avoid it.
In this sense, the use of passive resources – such as building orientation, materials or vegetation – remains an effective, affordable and sustainable option to improve thermal comfort without relying exclusively on mechanical systems.
The Hospital of the Future as a Driver of Urban Transformation
Beyond its healthcare role, the hospital has a symbolic and urban dimension: it is a node that can energize the social and economic fabric. Its strategic location on degraded land, for example, can serve as a catalyst for urban renewal.
Harmonious integration with the environment is essential. Using regional materials not only minimizes the carbon footprint derived from transportation but also generates belonging and identity: in difficult times, what is known is comforting.
Biophilia, nature that heals
The concept of biophilia in healthcare, or biophilic design in hospitals, refers to the incorporation of natural elements in hospital spaces with the aim of improving the well-being of patients, healthcare professionals and visitors. This practice is based on the evidence that the connection with nature generates positive effects on health, such as stress reduction, improved mood and faster recovery.
Hospitals such as 12 de Octubre and Hospital Sant Pau have implemented therapeutic gardens, natural sounds and noble materials in their facilities, creating environments that favor the emotional well-being of patients. These interventions not only enrich the experience during hospitalization, but have also been shown to contribute to a significant reduction in hospitalization times.
Resource Management
A good lighting design, which adequately combines sunlight and artificial light, can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the user’s well-being. Light, when it accompanies biological rhythms, not only illuminates, but also heals.
Water, a scarce and valuable commodity, can also be managed intelligently.
Reuse of treated wastewater, rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation technologies and low consumption fixtures are some viable solutions to reduce water consumption in sanitary facilities.
With regard to energy, opting for clean technologies and efficient systems – such as heat exchangers, geothermal air conditioning or chilled beams – can significantly reduce operating costs. Renewable energies, such as solar and wind power, offer increasingly viable alternatives for supplying part of the energy demands.
Automation, waste management and efficient technology
The incorporation of automated systems in hospital environments opens up a wide range of opportunities. From the centralized management of facilities to the personalized control of environmental conditions by patients, these technologies promote greater autonomy, comfort and energy efficiency.
At the same time, proper management of hospital waste is key to improving biosafety and promoting sustainable practices. Separation at source and proper treatment not only reduce the environmental impact, but also optimize logistics and significantly reduce the operating costs of the management system.
Environmental certifications: measuring for improvement
Green certifications, such as LEED, WELL or EDGE, provide standardized technical frameworks for planning, implementing and evaluating sustainable projects in the healthcare sector. The choice of one or the other will depend on the geographical context, the specific goals of the project and the level of detail required. Beyond the symbolic value of the seal, its true utility lies in guiding the design towards a measurable, efficient and environmentally friendly architectural model.
Towards a conscious hospital architecture
Building hospitals committed to the health of the planet is not only a desirable goal, but an ethical urgency. Comprehensive planning, the selection of sustainable materials, the efficient use of resources and a conscious management of the healthcare system are essential to move towards a resilient architecture, adaptable to climate change and focused on the integral wellbeing of people. In this context, sustainability ceases to be an added value and becomes the core of a truly transformative hospital model.
