MOST SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR
FARRER PARK HOSPITAL
Sustainable considerations such as energy efficiency and water management are central to Farrer Park Hospital ’ s ( FPH ) DNA from the beginning . Since it went operational in 2014 , the hospital has attained optimal energy savings of 30 percent annually .
To minimise wastage of energy , the hospital building uses light fittings with motion sensors that are designed to switch off when not in use . Energy recovery wheels are also in place to convert heat and humidity from the airstream into cool air for the building . Furthermore , the air distribution system in the hospital is fitted with UV emitters to prevent pathogens from entering the building like the clinical areas . This provides guests , patients , and employees access to high quality indoor air , while helping FPH to reduce up to 52.9 percent of energy consumption compared to average systems in the market .
In addition to energy saving , the hospital has also implemented water efficiency management as well as environmental and recycling measures . This includes a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate landscape gardens around the property . The building ’ s piping infrastructure is also ready to receive and take on future water development projects with NEWater , once the option opens up .
On environmental and recycling efforts , FPH uses products with a high percentage of pre- and post-consumer recycled content and with parts that are recyclable .
The hospital and the medical centre
Dr Timothy Low
( FPMC ) are housed in Connexion , a building that has been certified Green Mark Platinum by the Building and Construction Authority since 2011 . One notable green feature is the iconic triangular sunshades that shield the medical facility from harsh sunlight , effectively mitigating the overall temperature of the building . It also allowed for natural ventilation and for landscaped gardens to thrive .
To promote green transportation , electric car charging stations have been introduced to priority parking lots in the hospital ’ s car park . Bicycle parking lots are also available to encourage employees and guests to cycle and minimise their carbon footprint . In advocating lower emissions , it helps to ensure cleaner air , water , and food for generations to come .
On September 17 , 2020 , FPH became the first healthcare facility in Singapore to receive a green loan from Singapore ’ s United Overseas Bank Limited . As of December 2021 , about S $ 23 million out of the green loan have been used to maintain efficiency of the abovementioned green facilities . Hospital operations will continue to be monitored and refined in the coming years with the support of the green loan .
FPH became the first hospital in Singapore to support the Garden City Fund ’ s Plant-A-Tree program . The sustainability event which took place on March 16 , 2021 , held in conjunction with the hospital ’ s fifth anniversary saw 50 trees planted along Sungei- Serangoon Park Connector . Volunteers included FPMC specialists , pioneering employees , as well as representatives from the management and board of directors .
Reflecting on FPH ’ s efforts on environmental sustainability thus far , Dr Timothy Low , Chief Executive Officer of FPH , said : “ Rising sea levels and increasing temperatures are living proof that global warming is real . While healthcare institutions ’ priority is firmly rooted in good clinical outcomes and quality patient care , sustainability is often an overlooked area . Daily disposables and medical waste add on to extra waste on earth that may take months or even years to be properly disposed of . Through our advocacy and efforts , we hope to encourage others to do more for sustainability in healthcare .”
128 SEPTEMBER 2022 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com