NHS Sustainable Design and Construction (SDaC)

Scottish Health Technical Note SHTN 02-01 NHS Scotland Sustainable Design and Construction (SDaC).

The SDaC Guide is a comprehensive document that provides guidance and best practices for sustainable design and construction of healthcare facilities within the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland. The guide is aimed at architects, designers, construction professionals, and NHS staff involved in the planning, design, and delivery of healthcare buildings.

The SDaC Guide focuses on promoting sustainable principles and strategies throughout the entire lifecycle of a healthcare facility, from initial planning and design to construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning. It emphasizes the importance of creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient healthcare buildings that support the health and well-being of patients, staff, and the community, while minimizing the impact on the environment.

The guide covers various aspects of sustainable design and construction, including:

1. Sustainability Framework: It outlines a framework for sustainable development within the NHS, establishing key principles and objectives for integrating sustainability into healthcare facility projects.
2. Energy Efficiency: The guide emphasizes the importance of energy-efficient design, including strategies for reducing energy consumption, optimizing building insulation, using renewable energy sources, and implementing efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
3. Water Efficiency: It provides recommendations for water-efficient design, such as using low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and water-efficient landscaping, to minimize water consumption and promote sustainable water management.
4. Materials and Waste Management: The guide highlights the significance of using environmentally friendly materials, promoting recycling and waste reduction during construction, and considering the life cycle impacts of building materials.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality: It addresses the importance of creating a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for patients and staff, including factors such as natural lighting, acoustics, indoor air quality, and the use of non-toxic and low-emission materials.
6. Adaptation to Climate Change: The guide encourages healthcare facilities to consider the potential impacts of climate change and incorporate adaptation measures into the design and construction process.
7. Biodiversity and Green Spaces: It promotes the integration of green spaces, biodiversity, and natural habitats within healthcare facilities, recognizing the positive impact of nature on the health and well-being of patients and staff.
8. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: The SDaC Guide emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders, including patients, staff, and the local community, in the design and construction process to ensure their needs are considered and to foster a sense of ownership and pride in the facility.

Overall, the NHS Scotland Sustainable Design and Construction Guide serves as a valuable resource for promoting sustainable practices in the planning, design, and construction of healthcare facilities, helping to create healthier environments and reduce the environmental footprint of the NHS in Scotland.

The Sustainable Design and Construction (SDaC) Guide in NHS Scotland aligns with the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard. The Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard is a set of guidelines and targets established by the Scottish Government to ensure that all new public sector buildings are built to a net-zero carbon emissions standard by 2045.

The SDaC Guide supports the goals of the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard by providing specific guidance and best practices for sustainable design and construction within the healthcare sector. It helps healthcare facilities in NHS Scotland meet the requirements of the standard by incorporating sustainable principles and strategies into their building projects.

The SDaC Guide addresses various aspects of sustainability, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials and waste management, indoor environmental quality, adaptation to climate change, biodiversity, and stakeholder engagement. These aspects are crucial for achieving net-zero carbon emissions in public sector buildings, including healthcare facilities.

By following the recommendations and strategies outlined in the SDaC Guide, healthcare buildings can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, energy consumption, and environmental impact. The guide encourages the use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, water-saving measures, sustainable materials, and green spaces, all of which contribute to the overall objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Furthermore, the SDaC Guide emphasizes the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement, which aligns with the participatory approach advocated by the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard. Involving stakeholders in the design and construction process ensures that the needs and perspectives of the community, patients, and staff are considered, leading to more sustainable and user-friendly healthcare facilities.

In summary, the SDaC Guide in NHS Scotland supports and complements the objectives of the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard by providing healthcare facilities with practical guidance and strategies for achieving sustainable design, construction, and operation. It serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals to create environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and net-zero carbon emission buildings within the public sector.