Presentation
Barriers and Facilitators to the Integration of Sustainable Interior Materials in Healthcare Facilities
DescriptionIntegrating sustainable interior materials in healthcare environments is essential for reducing environmental impacts, improving occupant health, and enhancing long-term operational efficiency. However, widespread adoption remains inconsistent due to complex institutional, regulatory, and performance-based challenges. This study addresses two research questions: (1) How do prevailing Green Building Rating Systems (GBRSs) support the specification and selection of sustainable interior materials in healthcare facilities? (2) What are the key barriers and facilitators influencing their integration?
Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) - a psychological framework that explains human behavior through attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) - this study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. A document analysis of four GBRSs (LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and LBC) revealed an overemphasis on environmental factors, with comparatively less explicit guidance on social and economic factors that are particularly relevant in healthcare facilities. A scoping review of 40 peer-reviewed articles identified 20 barriers and 15 facilitators, providing a foundation for further empirical investigation.
A survey questionnaire of 103 healthcare design professionals and facility managers quantitatively assessed TPB constructs and behavioral intentions toward adopting sustainable materials. Results showed favorable attitudes and significant normative influence, though correlations among TPB constructs and behavioral intention were weak. Credentialed professionals and those with higher perceived organizational support exhibited stronger intent to integrate sustainable materials. The survey findings were expanded through 34 qualitative interviews, which revealed seven themes: (1) internal organizational resistance, (2) limited product transparency, (3) durability as a core criterion, (4) disconnect between sustainability ideals and real-world performance, (5) misalignment of GBRSs with healthcare needs, (6) cost-related barriers, and (7) the importance of stakeholder collaboration. Building on the integrated findings, the researcher developed a Material Sustainability Performance Assessment Taxonomy comprised of 19 Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) categorized under TPB constructs. Each TPM was operationalized into a maturity model (Not Addressed, Making Progress, Fully Integrated) and aligned with stakeholder roles.
This research advances the understanding of sustainable material adoption in healthcare facilities. It delivers an assessment method for interdisciplinary teams, actionable guidance for GBRS and policy refinement, and insights to inform curriculum development and professional training.
Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) - a psychological framework that explains human behavior through attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) - this study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. A document analysis of four GBRSs (LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and LBC) revealed an overemphasis on environmental factors, with comparatively less explicit guidance on social and economic factors that are particularly relevant in healthcare facilities. A scoping review of 40 peer-reviewed articles identified 20 barriers and 15 facilitators, providing a foundation for further empirical investigation.
A survey questionnaire of 103 healthcare design professionals and facility managers quantitatively assessed TPB constructs and behavioral intentions toward adopting sustainable materials. Results showed favorable attitudes and significant normative influence, though correlations among TPB constructs and behavioral intention were weak. Credentialed professionals and those with higher perceived organizational support exhibited stronger intent to integrate sustainable materials. The survey findings were expanded through 34 qualitative interviews, which revealed seven themes: (1) internal organizational resistance, (2) limited product transparency, (3) durability as a core criterion, (4) disconnect between sustainability ideals and real-world performance, (5) misalignment of GBRSs with healthcare needs, (6) cost-related barriers, and (7) the importance of stakeholder collaboration. Building on the integrated findings, the researcher developed a Material Sustainability Performance Assessment Taxonomy comprised of 19 Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) categorized under TPB constructs. Each TPM was operationalized into a maturity model (Not Addressed, Making Progress, Fully Integrated) and aligned with stakeholder roles.
This research advances the understanding of sustainable material adoption in healthcare facilities. It delivers an assessment method for interdisciplinary teams, actionable guidance for GBRS and policy refinement, and insights to inform curriculum development and professional training.
Authors
Event Type
Oral Presentations
TimeMonday, March 2310:30am - 11:00am EDT
LocationMurray Hill West
Hospital Environments