Solatube® Daylighting Systems ... in healthcare facilities
Daylighting has been shown in numerous studies to improve patient well-being and healing rates;
A study for The Center for Health Design in August 2006 entitled “The Impact of Light on Outcomes in Healthcare Settings" found that light reduces depression among patients, decreases length of stay in hospitals, improves sleep and circadian rhythm, lessens agitation among dementia patients, eases pain, and improves adjustment to night-shift work among staff. There is also a direct correlation between work environment satisfaction and access to daylight in that environment.
Research by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), the government's design watchdog, reveals that 86 per cent of directors of nursing believe that the design and operation of hospital buildings have a significant impact on staff. Exposure to artificial light, particularly fluorescent tube lights, is seen as one of the most draining aspects of working on a ward.
Solatube® Daylighting Systems bring many advantages and benefits to healthcare facilities:
- Patients recover more quickly and hospital staff prefer to work in a naturally-lit environment
- Solatube® Daylight Dimmers allow light levels to be set according to patient requirements
- Unlike traditional windows and rooflights, there is virtually no solar gain in summer or heat loss in winter so further energy & cost savings can be made
- Solar glare is eliminated; Solatube® Daylighting Systems provide beautifully diffused natural light with no 'hot spots' or harsh shafts of light
- No maintenance is required inside or out
BREEAM Healthcare (B4H)
BREEAM Healthcare has now replaced NEAT (NHS Environmental Assessment Tool) as the preferred environmental assessment method for healthcare buildings in the UK. B4H and BH4XB (for existing buildings) has a credit filtering mechanism which makes it appropriate across the entire range of healthcare facilities from GP surgeries and clinics to acute teaching/specialist units for newbuild, refurbishment or existing buildings. Their aim is to:
improve efficiency of their existing building portfolio
improve the indoor environment of their occupied buildings, with the result of increasing staff and patients' wellbeing
reduce energy waste and, consequently, reduce utility bills
demonstrate commitment to sustainable development
BREEAM recognises the benefits
of tubular daylighting devices which help to meet the requirements
under the Health and Well-being Section HW01 and the
Energy Section E01.
For more information please visit www.breeam.org
