The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) develops Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for a wide range of building types and projects. Because many of the sites and structures are unique, they require special considerations resulting in standards that reflect their circumstances. Like all new LEED standards, including the neighborhood development standards recently created, the new LEED for Healthcare will undergo a series of reviews and public comment periods. From the USGBC’s website comes the following explanation of the process. “LEED is developed through a process in which proposed new rating systems or significant revisions to existing ones are reviewed by USGBC, the Technical Advisory Group, USGBC’s Board of Directors, and finally, the LEED Steering Committee. Once these reviews are completed, the new rating systems or revisions are opened for public review and comment.”

Currently the draft rendition of LEED for Healthcare is going through its second set of public comments. Healthcare construction differs from many of the existing LEED programs. Patient requirements, including sterilized environments and materials; hazardous waste; and pathogen containment are among the many specific demands on hospital and healthcare facilities.

The LEED for Healthcare Green Building Rating System was developed to meet the unique needs of the health care market, including inpatient care facilities, licensed outpatient care facilities, and licensed long term care facilities. LEED for Healthcare may also be used for medical offices, assisted living facilities and medical education & research centers. LEED for Healthcare addresses issues such as increased sensitivity to chemicals and pollutants, traveling distances from parking facilities, and access to natural spaces.

The LEED for Healthcare rating system represents a culmination of four years of close collaboration between the Green Guide for Healthcare (GGHC) and USGBC.  GGHC has helped to streamline the LEED for Healthcare’s development schedule by aligning with the LEED for New Construction rating system’s organizational structure and by conducting public comment periods and a robust pilot program* that included more than 100 health care facilities.

Studies dating back over 25 years ago suggest views of the natural world (a potential component of LEED certification), can speed up patient recovery times in hospitals, saving patients money and avoid prolonged stays. Green building moves beyond merely implementing sustainably sourced materials and site management. The health of the inhabitants plays a significant role in developing structures for long term use.

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