Green-Certified Healthcare Facilities from a Global Perspective: Advanced and Developing Countries

Recep Ahmed Buyukcinar (), Ruveyda Komurlu and David Arditi
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Recep Ahmed Buyukcinar: Institute of Science and Technology, Kocaeli University, 41380 Kocaeli, Türkiye
Ruveyda Komurlu: Department of Architecture, Kocaeli University, 41380 Kocaeli, Türkiye
David Arditi: Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-34

Abstract: This study compares certification systems for green healthcare facilities implemented worldwide. Healthcare facilities are complex structures designed to provide uninterrupted service while involving substantial resources, high energy consumption, and heavy human and material traffic. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of designs that ensure hygiene, reduce environmental impact, and improve energy efficiency, making green certification systems for healthcare facilities increasingly critical. Eight certification systems currently in use across eight countries were examined, four from advanced economies (LEED in the U.S., BREEAM in the U.K., Green Star in Australia, and CASBEE in Japan) and four from developing economies (YeS-TR in Türkiye, IGBC in India, GBI in Malaysia, and GREENSHIP in Indonesia). Country selection considered regional diversity, similarities in environmental policies, and the potential for healthcare infrastructure development. A literature-based comparative analysis was conducted, and seven key categories were identified for evaluating sustainability: sustainable land and transport, water and waste management, energy efficiency, material and life cycle impact, indoor environmental quality, project management process, and innovation. The comparison revealed considerable overlap among the systems but also highlighted shortcomings in addressing healthcare-specific needs. This paper contributes to the advancement of sustainability assessment in the healthcare sector by highlighting the need for certification schemes specifically designed for medical facilities. The findings emphasize the necessity of developing healthcare-tailored frameworks that not only address environmental performance but also capture the unique operational, functional, and clinical dynamics of this sector.

Keywords: green buildings; green healthcare facilities; green healthcare facility certification systems; health structures (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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