Hospitals never stop operating. They run 24/7, consuming vast amounts of energy and water to power life-saving equipment, regulate air quality, and create a safe, comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Unlike other buildings, they can’t power down at night or scale back operations during off-peak hours. Every system—from HVAC and lighting to sterilization and refrigeration—works around the clock.

With this constant demand comes a challenge: So how do we design healthcare facilities that meet these 24/7 demands while cutting costs and reducing environmental impact?

“Hospitals use a massive amount of energy, but that also means they have some of the biggest opportunities for sustainability.”

— Bill Gruen, Energy Services Manager, Schmidt Associates

Why Sustainable Healthcare Design Matters

Sustainable healthcare spaces balance efficiency, adaptability, and environmental responsibility. Key focus areas include:

• Indoor air quality – Proper ventilation and thermal comfort create healthier environments.
• Exposure to natural light – Evidence-based strategies enhance health and well-being through air quality and restorative spaces.
• Water conservation – Low-flow fixtures and water-recycling systems reduce waste.
• Renewable energy – On-site solar panels, geothermal systems, and cogeneration plants offset energy demands.
• Energy efficiency – High-performance HVAC systems, LED lighting, and smart building controls lower operational costs.
• Long-term flexibility – Modular patient rooms and scalable infrastructure allow hospitals to evolve.
• Exposure to natural light – Daylighting improves patient outcomes, supports circadian rhythms, and boosts energy efficiency.

Practical Strategies for a More Sustainable Approach

To create high-performance healthcare spaces, sustainability needs to be integrated from the start. Here are four key ways to make it happen:

1. Use Smart Energy Systems — Hospitals operate 24/7, making efficiency essential. Advanced HVAC systems, automated controls, and LED lighting lower costs while maintaining patient comfort. On-site renewable energy, such as solar and geothermal, reduces reliance on traditional power grids.

2. Select Sustainable Materials — Low-VOC paints, recycled materials, and responsibly sourced wood improve air quality and reduce environmental impact. Durable, non-toxic finishes also support long-term building performance.

3. Conserve Water — Hospitals consume large amounts of water daily. Water management fixtures, efficient irrigation, and water-recycling systems significantly reduce waste.

4. Design for Adaptability — The healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Future-proofing facilities with soft space for expansion, modular wall system and casework, flexible patient rooms, and scalable infrastructure ensures hospitals can keep pace with medical advancements.

Sustainability in Action: University of Louisville Case Study

A prime example is the Clinical & Translational Research (CTR) Building at the University of Louisville. Originally not planned for LEED certification, the project team identified opportunities to enhance efficiency during construction, ultimately achieving LEED Gold—the first research facility in the region to do so.

Key environmental benefits:

• 41.7% reduction in annual energy use through high-efficiency systems and smart lighting controls.
• 42.5% reduction in annual water use, incorporating condensate recovery for irrigation.
• Extensive daylighting and high-performance glazing to reduce artificial lighting needs.
• A 100% reflective roof to minimize heat island effects and lower cooling costs.

By identifying opportunities mid-construction, the project not only achieved LEED Gold but also set a new standard for research facilities in the region.

Serving Patients, Healthcare Facilities, and Communities Through Smarter Design

Sustainability in healthcare is about more than energy savings—it’s about servant leadership. Thoughtful planning ensures that healthcare facilities remain future-ready, cost-effective, and responsive to evolving needs, serving both present and future generations.

With a strategic approach rooted in Better Foresight, Better Insight, and Better On-Site, we help healthcare facilities stay flexible, high-performing, and built to support innovation—designed for today and prepared for tomorrow. By prioritizing smart resource management, hospitals and research institutions can reduce costs, enhance patient care, and create environments that support long-term well-being.

Let’s Create Resilient, Sustainable Healthcare Spaces

At Schmidt Associates, we believe intentional, environmentally responsible design can transform patient experiences, improve operational efficiency, and support healthier communities. Want to create a more efficient, future-ready healthcare space? Let’s talk. Explore our expertise and see how Schmidt Associates can help.