Green Healing

Skanska is one of the world’s leading construction companies. From its expected-to-be LEED Platinum offices on the 80th Floor of the Empire State Building, and offices around the world, Skanska executes huge public and private projects.

But it recently introduced the most personal of places: a hospital room that is anything but typical. You know what I’m talking about: bleak lighting and barren surroundings that is supposed to help make you feel better but often makes you feel worse.

Best yet, the 400 square foot patient room Skanska recently introduced in Boston is green. As described by them, the project features “low flow faucets, flooring made with renewable materials and non-toxic items in the ceiling, bed and walls. There’s even a balcony because research shows connecting with nature can help with healing.

“In fact, there is growing evidence of a correlation between green health care facilities and improved patient recovery.

“For instance, building materials can have a significant effect on indoor air quality. Careful materials selection can have a positive effect on occupants, especially sensitive patients such as children, the elderly and patients with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems.  Improved air quality means better breathing conditions and the potential for a faster recovery.

“Lighting efficiency is another advantage for green hospitals. Although costs for optimized artificial lighting may initially be higher, evidence suggests that optimized and natural light improves patient healing and staff retention.  These systems are also financially prudent in the long run due to off-setting rising energy costs.”

Skanska built the first LEED Gold hospital in the nation, Oregon’s Providence Newberg Medical Center. An industry leader in green hospital construction, they have demonstrated that green materials and technologies can be incorporated into hospital construction - and not always at exorbitant prices.