HEALING WITH SUSTAINABILITE

India's healthcare landscape is witnessing a green upgrade with eco-friendly hospitals being developed nationwide.

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Hospitals stand as beacons of health and healing, yet their operations often leave a significant footprint on the environment. Balancing these seemingly disparate priorities takes creativity and foresight, requiring the integration of sustainability principles into the very fabric of hospital design.

For Nandini Bazaz, Director Architectural Services, HOSMAC, it's about creating not just efficient buildings, but "environmentally responsible healthcare spaces," she says. Their approach emphasizes attaining a minimum IGBC silver rating, but goes beyond mere certification. "We prioritize well-ventilated, naturally lit environments," she explains, "strategically reducing energy consumption." This philosophy manifests in the selection of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient air-conditioning, and sustainable lighting solutions.

Bakul Chandra, Co-Founder, Mentor and Design Strategist at Renascent Consultants advocates for a multi-pronged approach. He outlines a few key aspects: "Greater emphasis on energy-efficient systems and designs, incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint," he outlines. Additionally, he emphasizes "use of eco-friendly, recycled, or locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact."

Water conservation through recycling and rainwater harvesting plays a crucial role, alongside efficient waste management and adaptable design to minimize future alterations. Smart building technologies add another layer, optimizing resource utilization and enhancing overall efficiency. Importantly, Chandra notes the need for hospitals to "foster community engagement by designing spaces that are integrated into the local context, promoting accessibility."