Celebrating Sustainability: Two Wilmot Sanz Projects Named Among the Greenest Hospitals in America

At Wilmot Sanz, we believe that thoughtful healthcare design goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. We are proud to extend our congratulations to two of our clients—Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and West Kendall Baptist Hospital—for being named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s prestigious list of the 50 Greenest Hospitals in America.

This annual list spotlights healthcare organizations that have embraced ecological health and environmental stewardship as integral components of their mission. As Becker’s notes, these institutions demonstrate their commitment through initiatives both large and small—ranging from major infrastructure investments to everyday operational choices that reduce environmental impact.

A Rigorous Selection Process

To compile the list, Becker’s Hospital Review conducted comprehensive research across a range of industry benchmarks and sustainability metrics. The editorial team evaluated data and case studies from renowned organizations such as Health Care Without Harm, Practice Greenhealth, the Healthier Hospitals Initiative, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among others. Facilities were selected based on their measurable outcomes, design choices, operational strategies, and long-term commitments to sustainability.

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus: A Leader in Transparency and Transformation

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus stands out as a long-time advocate for reducing healthcare’s environmental footprint. The facility has demonstrated exceptional leadership by publishing an annual sustainability report, which transparently outlines its progress and goals related to energy use, waste reduction, and environmental health.

In addition to its advocacy efforts, the campus continues to evolve through sustainable design and construction. Notable LEED Silver-certified or -seeking projects include:

• The new patient tower at Inova Fairfax Hospital
• The renovation of the existing patient tower
• The co-located Inova Women’s Hospital and Inova Children’s Hospital, a specialized facility designed with both family comfort and operational efficiency in mind

These efforts exemplify how forward-thinking design can support both patient care and planetary health.

West Kendall Baptist Hospital: A Ground-Up Commitment to Green Design

As a new freestanding hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital was uniquely positioned to embed sustainable principles into its very foundation. The result is a facility that not only meets but exceeds modern environmental standards.

The hospital earned LEED Gold certification, a distinction achieved through a variety of innovative features:

• Easy access to public transportation, encouraging patients and staff to reduce reliance on personal vehicles
• An efficient water flow system that conserves a critical natural resource in South Florida’s climate
• Strategic investment in green power via renewable energy credits, helping to offset the building’s carbon footprint

These elements, along with the hospital’s ongoing operational practices, demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainability—one that touches every aspect of the patient and staff experience.

Designing with Purpose

We are honored to have partnered with both Inova and Baptist Health South Florida in designing healthcare environments that reflect their deep-rooted commitments to environmental responsibility. These recognitions are a testament not only to their vision but to the growing movement within the healthcare industry to design with the future in mind.