Green hospitals may be better prepared to deal with crises

Years before the coronavirus pandemic the facilities team at Boston Medical Center (BMC) was preparing for crises by changing the sprawling campus to work more efficiently, according to an article on The Boston Globe website.

The efforts are paying off now as the hospital works to keep patients and employees safe by erecting tents to screen for possible cases, conserving protective equipment, and reducing clinical traffic through telehealth.

 Unlike a hurricane or other natural disaster that clinicians have to react to, BMC is dealing with the virus much more proactively.

BMC monitors its energy use around the clock. On the rooftop of BMC’s Yawkey Ambulatory Care Center, nine air handling units are pumping fresh air into the building at all times. The air needs to be filtered, changed regularly, and warmed or cooled depending on the department . 

Read the article.