The Healing Power of Green: Green Roofs and Vegetable Gardens Transform Medical Campuses in Colorado
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Introduction
In recent years, medical campuses across the United States have embraced a transformative trend that integrates green roofs and vegetable gardens into their facilities. This innovative approach blends sustainability with health promotion and community engagement, turning often sterile hospital environments into vibrant, living spaces that benefit patients, staff, and the surrounding community.
GreenReap LLC is an edible landscape company that, starting in January of 2024, operates an urban farm at University of Colorado’s (UC) Health Denver Campus. The firm manages the Courtyard Cafe vegetable patch–a 1,500 sf space, encompassing 28 raised beds. In 2016, the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) transformed an unused area north of the Courtyard Cafe into a thriving urban garden. The garden, which hosts various vegetables and herbs, enhances the hospital's meal offerings with fresh, pesticide-free produce and promotes healthier eating and education for patients and staff. The initiative was spearheaded by Margaret Taberna, who collaborated with Amanda Weaver, Facilities Management Manager John Morrow, and Executive Director Victoria Franklin. A $75,000 USD donation funded the project, which was realized through significant efforts by Steve Jones and his grounds crew. This garden not only improves the hospital's aesthetics but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and community well-being [1].
Garden rooftop at BCH Della Cava Medical Pavilion: Photo: Andy Creath
Shortly thereafter, GreenReap LLC secured their first subcontract with Green Roofs of Colorado. This opportunity allowed GreenReap LLC to delve into green roof maintenance, covering several key locations, including the green roofs at Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Boulder Community Hospital (BCH) Foothills, and the BCH Della Cava Medical Pavilion.
The Anschutz Health and Wellness Center contains a large amenity space with 5000 sf of extensive to intensive green roof areas, featuring sedum carpet, native plantings and a vegetable garden. H+L Architecture led the design of the building and planted areas. The green roof improves energy efficiency and provides a relaxing green space, aligning with the center’s wellness focus.
Boulder Community Hospital (BCH) Foothills, and BCH Della Cava Medical Pavilion each feature green roofs that contribute to BCH’s sustainability goals and enhance the well-being of their occupants. Both green roof areas aid in temperature regulation, stormwater control, and provide aesthetic and environmental benefits, reflecting BCH's broader commitment to sustainable healthcare practices. Each of the medical areas were designed by Boulder Associates Architecture and Ouellette & Associates Landscape Architecture. BCH Della Cava is a 450 sf amenity space with green roof plantings and pavers in the center of their treatment floor. BCH Foothills has 610 sf of planted intensive green roof with trees, shrubs, and perennials along with 24 large planters with native and adapted native perennials and grasses situated outside patient rooms, medical offices, and main walkways of a trauma ward.
Green Roofs of Colorado and GreenReap LLC are now intricately connected to two medical campuses, managing an at-grade vegetable garden (UCHealth), rooftop vegetable garden (AHWC).
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These vegetated areas were designed with the following purposes in mind:
Patient beds and employees offices look onto the Garden rooftop at Boulder County Hospital, Photo: Andy Creath
Enhancing Patient Experience and Recovery
One of the most significant impacts of green roofs and vegetable gardens on medical campuses is their positive effect on patient experience and recovery. Angela Lawrence, Director of Nursing, Behavioral Health Services and Outpatient Wound Care at Boulder Community Hospital, highlights that patients value the “airy outdoor space” and the “health and growth of the plants.” Such green spaces can be particularly beneficial for mental health patients, offering a welcome respite from the clinical environment of hospital rooms.
For patients housed in secured rooms due to psychiatric holds, access to these green spaces can be transformative, creating an environment that “doesn’t feel like a hospital” and encouraging patients to engage more actively in their treatment and recovery. Staff have observed that returning people request the rooms which have views of the garden (green roof and planters) and that outdoor spaces provide access to nature in general–and to the occasional birds that inhabit the trees and shrubs, which can help people deal with the pain and boredom which often accompanies being in the hospital. Additionally, goal-setting for the purpose of behavioral modification can include getting access to the outdoor spaces.
Staff Well-being and Job Satisfaction
The benefits of green spaces on site also extend to staff well-being and job satisfaction. Medical professionals often face long hours and high-stress conditions, making access to nature-infused areas crucial for their mental health. Staff members at the facilities report several advantages, including:
Natural Light and Improved Air Quality: Green spaces enhance the quality of the work environment through better air quality and natural light.
Less Depressing Work Environment: The presence of greenery can make the work environment more pleasant.
Opportunities for Rejuvenating Breaks: Access to outdoor green spaces provides staff with rejuvenating breaks from their demanding roles.
Enhanced Treatment Options for Trauma Services: Green spaces contribute to more holistic treatment approaches for trauma services.
By improving the work environment, green roofs and vegetable gardens can increase staff overall satisfactions, potentially reducing staff burnout and turnover, saving health care facilities money, while also supporting better patient care [2].
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Community Engagement and Education
Vegetable gardens on medical campuses also foster community engagement and education. The rooftop vegetable garden at CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center exemplifies how these spaces can serve multiple purposes. A statement provided by Kristy Truesdale of AHWC includes the following topics of importance:
AHWC rooftop vegetable garden, Photo: Brian Adams
Providing Fresh Produce: The gardens offer fresh produce to underserved populations, contributing to community nutrition. As of September 3, 2024, the UCHealth Garden has produced 2159.56 lbs of fresh fruits and vegetables for use in the hospital’s kitchen. GreenReap predicts an end of season total above 3000 lbs of produce. The 575 sq ft rooftop garden at AHWC has so far produced a total yield of 144.3 lbs as of September 3, 2024.
Hands-on Learning Experiences: Gardening classes and educational programs provide practical learning opportunities. GreenReap staff are currently helping to instruct “lunch and learn” classes on the AHWC green roof. Past topics have included: seeding and transplanting basics, Colorado native lawns, and potted succulent care.
Supporting Nutritional Missions: These gardens align with the center's mission to promote nutrition and well-being.
Demonstrating Commitment to Sustainability: The gardens reflect the institution’s dedication to sustainable practices.
These initiatives not only benefit the immediate campus community but also create positive ripple effects throughout the broader community, promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable habits.
Sustainable Design and Environmental Benefits
Green roofs and gardens contribute significantly to sustainable design and environmental conservation. Their benefits include:
Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect: Green roofs help mitigate the heat absorbed by urban areas, lowering temperatures.
Improving Stormwater Management: They absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and easing pressure on urban drainage systems.
Enhancing Air Quality: Plants on green roofs and in gardens filter pollutants and improve air quality.
Increasing Urban Biodiversity: These spaces provide habitats for various species, increasing biodiversity in urban settings.
Reducing Energy Costs: Green roofs offer insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs for buildings.
These environmental benefits align with the healthcare sector’s increasing focus on sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to both human and environmental health [2].
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Economic Impacts and Healthcare Costs
While the initial investment in green roofs and gardens may seem substantial, the long-term economic benefits can be significant:
Reduced Energy Costs: Green roofs help lower energy expenses for heating and cooling.
Shorter Patient Stays: Improved recovery rates may lead to reduced patient length of stay.
Increased Staff Retention: Enhanced work environments contribute to lower turnover and retention costs.
Positive Institutional Reputation: A commitment to green practices can attract more patients and donors.
By promoting preventive health measures and community engagement, these green initiatives can contribute to overall healthcare cost reductions in the long run [3].
UCHealth garden, a tunnel of Sunflowers and melon at night. Shade cloth over pepper beds. Vegetables on their way to the kitchen. Photo: Brian Adams
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their numerous benefits, implementing and maintaining green roofs and gardens involves some challenges. Firstly, upfront financial investment to design and construct facilities is required, as are funds for the upkeep, which can be significant, in part because these green spaces need to be designed and maintained to accommodate patient safety as well as accessibility given diverse patient needs [3]. In addition, these green spaces must align with existing hospital procedures and treatments. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between healthcare professionals, horticulturists, and facility managers to create sustainable and effective green spaces.
Future Directions
As the benefits of green roofs and vegetable gardens become more widely recognized, we can expect to see more hospitals incorporating green spaces in their designs and more existing green spaces including additional therapeutic elements. Further, healthcare institutions can collaborate more with local agriculture initiatives, bringing more community involvement. Ongoing research can quantify health benefits and establish best practices for implementation [4].
Conclusion
The integration of green roofs and vegetable gardens on medical campuses represents a holistic approach to healthcare that acknowledges the interconnectedness of human and environmental health. From enhancing patient outcomes and staff well-being to promoting sustainability and community engagement, these green initiatives are reshaping the healthcare landscape. The “healing power of green” is a tangible reality, setting a precedent for a healthier, more sustainable future.
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Green Roofs of Colorado, led by Andy Creath, and GreenReap LLC, founded in spring 2024 by Brian Adams and Eliana Dzhikova, are providing essential horticultural services that drive this trend towards greening health care facilities forward.
Web Sites
https://www.uchealth.org/today/hospital-finds-new-way-to-go-for-the-green/
https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/health-and-wellness/home/green-roof
https://greenroofsco.com/item/boulder-community-hospital/
References
[1] Smith, T. (2023, August 23). Hospital finds new way to go for the green. UCHealth Today. https://www.uchealth.org/today/hospital-finds-new-way-to-go-for-the-green/
[2] Molero, A., Calabrò, M., Vignes, M., Gouget, B., & Gruson, D. (2021). Sustainability in healthcare: Perspectives and reflections regarding laboratory medicine. Annals of Laboratory Medicine, 41(2), 139–144. https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2021.41.2.139
[3] O’Hara, A. C., Miller, A. C., Spinks, H., Seifert, A., Mills, T., & Tuininga, A. R. (2022). The sustainable prescription: Benefits of Green Roof Implementation for Urban Hospitals. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2022.798012
[4] Nieberler-Walker, K., Desha, C., Bosman, C., Roiko, A., & Caldera, S. (2023). Therapeutic hospital gardens: Literature review and working definition. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 16(4), 260–295. https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867231187154
