Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Healthcare Buildings: A Policy Framework

The healthcare industry significantly impacts the environment due to its high usage of energy and natural resources associated waste generation. This study applied a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) approach assess environmental social life cycles public hospitals. One hundred twenty-four hospitals were selected for current study; their sustainability performance was compared with those certified by Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED). comparison revealed several factors contributing poor These include inadequate management, substandard planning, political interference, insufficient staffing funding, consumption, expenses, inconsistent policies, conventional building designs. System thinking leveraged, causal loop diagram (CLD) developed visualize interdependency identified indicators LCSA. Based on findings study, policy framework is proposed guide development sustainable buildings. includes using eco-friendly materials techniques construction, harnessing solar energy, improving hospital management practices, promoting awareness about sustainability, conserving water, adopting transportation. Additionally, it emphasizes addressing issues such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, patient safety, security ensuring that services are accessible affordable. contributes literature buildings providing practical achieving sector.