Advanced Sustainability and Green Design

University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center Offers Sustainability and Green Design

When developing UH Ahuja Medical Center, designers and University Hospitals leadership sought to create an environment that fosters wellness and healthy living. By implementing advanced sustainability and green design principles, this hospital offers patients, staff, visitors and the greater community an exceptional model of care.

Healing Environment

• The hospital’s healing garden provides an oasis for patients and families who need a therapeutic, calming environment.
• These garden areas also provide respite for hospital caregivers and support staff.
• Interior finishes are strategically chosen to promote a healing environment both aesthetically and through the elimination of unhealthy off-gassing emissions.
• Nature-inspired selections, rich wood tones and soothing colors promote a sense of well-being for patients and staff.
• Art is integrated throughout the facility to engage and uplift the spirits of patients and their families.

Energy Performance

• The facility is organized to maximize the use of natural light – enhancing energy efficiency and patient satisfaction.
• The roofs of the building are white, which will absorb less heat and lower energy use.
• Facility design provides a safe, supportive work environment with optimal ergonomic and operational efficiencies.
• Design, engineering and operational practices minimize waste through recycling protocols, improved water and energy conservation practices, and elevated indoor air quality by eliminating toxic materials and minimizing harsh cleaning agents.

Water Preservation

• As part of UH Ahuja Medical Center’s environmentally sensitive design, the campus features bioswales in landscaped areas to reduce runoff waters and increase onsite filtration of oils and debris from parking surfaces.
• Walkways and gardens wind throughout the campus and existing natural landscapes have been preserved, further conserving resources by requiring less maintenance and irrigation.
• Native plants are used in the landscaping to restore natural habitat, and because they require less water and maintenance.
• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures reduce the use of water by 25 percent.

Green Design Cost Efficiency

• The building itself is designed to integrate nature. Working with the protected wetlands on the site, enhancing and restoring much of the natural environment, the shape and form of the building work with the site to bring the outside in. Parking and traffic are convenient to entrances, while confined on the site to preserve as much of the green-space as possible, also reducing cost and disruption to the site.