Architecture is much more than designing and constructing buildings: it is the art of creating spaces that respond to human needs, combining functionality, durability and beauty. Throughout history, this discipline has evolved together with society, adapting to the challenges of each era. Today, one of those great challenges is sustainability.

In this context, sustainable architecture has ceased to be a trend and has become a necessity. More than a passing fad, it represents a profound change in the way we conceive, plan and execute construction projects. Its approach seeks a balance between energy efficiency, respect for the environment, economic viability and social well-being. This vision has begun to transform multiple sectors, including one of the most critical: healthcare.

With the accelerated growth of cities and the need to strengthen services in smaller communities, the hospitals of the future must go beyond technical efficiency.

Today, the construction of healthcare infrastructure implies an unavoidable environmental responsibility. Incorporating sustainable solutions is not only desirable, but essential to reduce environmental impact, preserve natural resources and respond to climate change.

Why is it so important to apply these principles specifically in hospitals? How can sustainable architecture redefine hospital design and why is it key to the development of health systems that are more resilient, humane and committed to the planet?

The healthcare sector: an expanding field with high sustainable potential

In recent years, the healthcare sector has acquired strategic relevance, driven by the ageing population, technological innovation and the growing demand for quality medical care. This scenario not only generates opportunities for social development, but also for responsible and sustainable investment.

Unlike other sectors, healthcare has proven to be dynamic and resilient, ranging from research and biotechnology to the production of medicines, supplies and medical devices. Within this chain, hospital infrastructure plays a crucial role, as it is the space where people’s care is materialized. However, its development has often neglected the principles of sustainability, when in fact it should be leading them.

Investing in sustainable hospitals not only makes economic and social sense, but also responds to an urgent need: to create spaces that care for both patients and the planet.

Comprehensive well-being: how good hospital design cares for the patient and the environment

A hospital should not only be efficient in medical terms, but also in its ability to provide a healthy environment. Air quality, ventilation, natural lighting, acoustics and the distribution of space are factors that directly affect the well-being of those who inhabit it. However, one of the most critical—and frequently ignored—elements is the choice of construction materials.

Many of the materials traditionally used for construction emit volatile chemical compounds that affect indoor air quality. Although their effects may not be immediate, prolonged exposure can have serious consequences: from allergies and headaches to reproductive disorders and certain types of cancer. These effects also affect the emotional health, stress and performance of healthcare personnel.

Cases such as sick building syndrome, sensitivity to Wi-Fi networks or intolerance to electromagnetic fieldshighlight the need to design truly healthy spaces. And if this is important in any building, in a hospital it is unavoidable.

Sick building syndrome

This term describes a set of symptoms experienced by people spending time in certain buildings. It manifests itself in discomforts such as nasal congestion, loss of voice, irritation of the respiratory tract, dry skin, headaches or fatigue. The most striking thing is that these symptoms usually disappear shortly after leaving the affected building.

The causes are usually related to poor ventilation, the use of low-quality or toxic materials, the presence of mold, the accumulation of chemical pollutants and inadequate air conditioning. In many old hospitals, these factors are still present, compromising the health of those who inhabit them.

Wifi Sensing and sensitivity to wireless networks

Electromagnetic field intolerance

Currently, although there is research on materials and indoor health, the information is often fragmented. Therefore, there is an urgent need to adopt a comprehensive approach that considers human health as the central axis of hospital architectural design.

Sustainable hospitals in Spain: examples that lead the way

In Spain, several hospitals are leading the change towards a more environmentally responsible healthcare infrastructure. Examples such as the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona or the Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid have opted for sustainable construction models that seek to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of the future.

These projects have implemented a series of concrete strategies to minimize their environmental footprint, including:

• Significant reduction of CO₂ emissions.
• Use of more environmentally responsible materials.
• Integration of natural spaces, both indoors and outdoors, that improve the well-being of patients and staff.
• Reduction of waste and efficient waste management.
• Development of eco-efficient energy infrastructures, with a clear focus on reducing energy consumption.

Energy efficiency has become a key pillar of sustainable hospital architecture. It is not just about the work of architectural firms in the intelligent design of lighting, air conditioning or ventilation systems. The role of hospital equipment and technology suppliers is also essential.

From electrical safety to medical and non-medical equipment, each component influences the overall energy footprint of the building. These factors, in addition to reducing long-term operating costs, directly improve the comfort and health conditions of patients, professionals and visitors. Fortunately, this is an aspect that is gaining increasing prominence in decision-making within the healthcare sector.

Climate change is an undeniable and unstoppable reality that affects every aspect of our lives, and healthcare is no exception.

Such is its impact in the context of patient care, that health organizations have been taking very important proactive actions to address this challenge.

Let’s learn about some of the initiatives and strategies that medical centers are implementing to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the sustainability of the health system.

How climate change affects healthcare

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and the proliferation of diseases are the main threats that climate change presents to global health.

In the context of medical care, these threats fundamentally translate into a gradual increase in the volume of diseases and extra pressure on health systems, already battered in many cases due to lack of financing, obsolescence of medical equipment , etc.

In turn, healthcare itself is an industry that contributes very significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource depletion.

From the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products to the operation of medical facilities, every aspect of healthcare has an environmental impact.

If the health sector were a country, it would be fifth in the world in greenhouse gas emissions.

“It accounts for 4.9% of total global emissions, the equivalent of 514 coal-fired power plants.”

Recognizing this reality, healthcare organizations have stepped up to take action to address sustainability and mitigate their contribution to climate change.

Proactive actions in the healthcare industry

Broadly, healthcare organizations are taking a proactive approach to addressing climate change.

The implementation of sustainable practices, the efficient use of resources, digitalization for health 4.0, betting on renewable energies and promoting healthy lifestyles for patients and medical staff is being carried out.

Let’s look at it in more detail.

The daily management of medical centers is where this effort and change in organizational culture is most noticeable in the long term. From reducing waste to optimizing energy consumption, and also generating great cost savings.

Investing in green technologies is another key strategy.

Having renewable energy systems, upgrading to more energy-efficient hospital equipment, and incorporating sustainable construction practices are good examples of technological innovation to reduce the environmental footprint.

For its part, medical waste management is the critical area where the most emphasis is being placed on adopting recycling practices and reducing the use of disposable materials.

Finally, there is the promotion of sustainable mobility. Or what is the same: a 180º turn in the sustainable culture of health organizations. This ranges from the implementation of carpooling programs, encouraging the use of electric vehicles among staff, good practice contests, dissemination among patients…

These are actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in the communities surrounding medical centers.

Assuming the challenges and consequences

Despite everything, we must recognize that the path to truly sustainable healthcare is long and with many obstacles.

The initial investment in green technologies, resistance to change in already established practices and the need for total coordination are some, but the most representative, of the challenges faced by medical centers and healthcare personnel.

In conclusion, sustainable healthcare is an urgent need in a world mired in climate change that is happening here and now.

Addressing this global challenge also from healthcare is not only an ethical responsibility, but also an investment in a healthier and more sustainable future for all.