‘GREEN NICU’, a leap toward ‘Sustainability’

Abstract

Sustainability is the most disregarded subject while planning an intensive care and its
infrastructure. World Commission on Economic Development (WCED - 1987) defines sustainability as
―development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs‖, according to the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE). The
healthcare sector as it is growing immensely at a rapid pace, needs long-term sustainable goals and also a
detailed plan for the meaningful and purposeful usage of the existing resources. The Indian rating system,
IGBC Green Healthcare Rating System - Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) addresses the concepts of
―green‖ in the healthcare system. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system,
LEED provides global certification for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings and it is a
symbol of sustainability achievement. Here we present a few simple sustainable ways for a critical care unit
that can be beneficial in the long run.