Sustainable healthcare design, facilities, and FibreGuard

As a leading provider of eco-conscious performance fabrics, we understand that sustainable design is crucial in healthcare settings.

Today we look at the pillars of sustainability, healthcare settings that are doing great work already, and why our performance fabrics are perfect for health and care facilities.

The Three Pillars of Sustainability in Healthcare

Sustainability is essential for any facility—not just healthcare settings—if it hopes to remain viable in the long term. With the flood of information and certifications, however, it can be hard for designers and specifiers to know which materials actually make an impact from an environmental perspective.

This is why we are approaching this topic today in terms of the three pillars of sustainability:

1. Energy
2. Water
3. Waste

Let's unpack each of these pillars and the role that FibreGuard's performance fabrics can play in supporting them.

Energy:

When it comes to sustainability, one of the most important factors is how much energy a material uses. This is where FibreGuard's performance fabrics can really make an impact because they are designed to reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling systems in healthcare facilities.

Another aspect, energy-wise, is how much energy a product represents in the world, from it being made, to its being transported, it being used, and finally it being discarded or disposed of. This is what's referred to as embedded energy.

The more embedded energy a product has, the more resources it uses and the bigger impact it has on the environment. A material that has less embedded energy will have a lower carbon footprint than one made with materials that take more.

Our performance fabrics are created with an eye to all of these different kinds of energy impacts.

We use the Higg MSI (Materials Sustainability Index) to assess the impact of our fabrics and all their composition types and blends. This gives us important feedback on where we can improve how our products are impacting the environment.

Learn more: Sustainability in Textiles

Water:

As a resource that has been in short supply for many years now, water conservation has become a huge issue for all industries—including healthcare facilities.

From an ecological point of view, our fabrics woven from polyester fibres also use less water to wash compared to cotton or linen fabrics, thanks to their lower water absorption rate and higher dehydration characteristics.

Learn more: Washing fabrics: a functional history and need-to-know facts

Waste:

FibreGuard fabrics tackle waste through their ability to reduce the amount of fabrics used in healthcare facilities. In the United Kingdom alone, 7 million tonnes of waste are generated from textile products every year. Our fabrics can help reduce this figure by reducing how many new materials are needed for furnishings, as well as saving on energy costs associated with washing new materials.

Investing in a strong, reliable product that has been verified for durability and cleanliness empowers healthcare designers with materials that stay fresh longer and are always easy to take care of.

Learn more: 5 Vital Principles of Sustainable Design

Challenges and Solutions in Healthcare Facilities Management Sustainability

To achieve sustainability in healthcare, developing innovative strategies is essential. Many healthcare facilities have successfully implemented sustainable practices already.

Here are some real-life examples:

In the USA in 2019, the University of Vermont Medical Centre opened a new inpatient building - The Miller Building - where 100% of construction and demolition debris was recycled. Through strategic waste diversion, they cut their carbon and waste footprint even before the new building opened its doors. They also sourced recycled or salvaged materials, minimising waste generation, and designing for deconstruction.

Even now, they continue to improve their processes through the LEED certification program, which is a voluntary rating system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings. Learn more about LEED and certification here: Proven 'LEED' tips for the eco-conscious interior designer.

Another example comes from Europe. Since 2005, The University Medical Centre Utrecht (the Netherlands) reduced its energy consumption by 20% and its water consumption by 30%. They aim to be CO2-neutral by 2030 and natural gas-free by 2040.

Some of the measures they took include:

• Using geothermal energy for heating and cooling
• Implementing water-saving devices such as low-flow faucets and showers
• Reducing waste generation and increasing recycling rates
• Encouraging sustainable procurement of goods and services

FibreGuard's Contribution to Sustainable Design in Healthcare Settings

Our fabrics are durable, stain-resistant, and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional materials. Additionally, they come in unique designs such as anti-microbial collections and collections with moisture barriers that prevent the spread of germs, hence promoting patient safety.

Healthcare facilities, including Denmar Psychiatric Hospital and The Ronald McDonald House in Auckland, have implemented FibreGuard fabrics, enhancing sustainability and positively impacting patient experience.

In conclusion

The impact of sustainable design in healthcare settings is significant. The design process should include a focus on the long-term effects of materials and products, as well as their impact on the environment.

Using sustainable materials and methods can improve patient experience while also reducing costs associated with maintenance.

FibreGuard provides eco-conscious fabrics that are durable, stain resistant and have a lower environmental impact than traditional materials.

Learn more about our commitment to sustainability and contact us today to learn more about our performance fabric ranges.