Henderson Engineers had several attendees at the recent BOMA International Medical Real Estate Conference in Orlando, Fla. It is one of the top healthcare real estate events in the industry and a great time to learn and connect with old and new friends. The conference started with a great presentation on trends in the healthcare real estate market by Spencer Levy, global client strategist and senior economic advisor at CBRE. He covered issues impacting the market currently as well as some potential future outcomes. A few other consistent themes that stood out include:

Sustainability and Decarbonization

There were several educational sessions focused on how these topics continue to play a role in current building management as well as through renovation, maintenance upgrades or new construction.   While some organizations are choosing to be more selective, others have strategic master plans documenting how they plan to get their entire building portfolio to net zero by 2040. Considering heat pumps, utilizing LED lighting, and optimizing HVAC usage are a few of the more common items being considered. Remembering to consider the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was also discussed as an option for supporting new green endeavors.

Environmental, Social, and Governance

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) was highlighted as having a growing influence on investment decisions within the healthcare sector. Investors and developers are increasingly prioritizing projects that meet stringent ESG standards. Discussions emphasized how ESG considerations can enhance a facility’s reputation, attract conscious investors, and ensure long-term viability. Real-world examples spotlighted the benefits of prioritizing ESG, including access to green financing, increased tenant satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

Optimization

Another common theme of the conference was optimization, be it through optimizing building performance during active and non-active hours, space planning for current and new tenants, or planning for new construction. High construction costs and supply chain issues have forced tenants, building owners, and designers to optimize space utilization, which helps either reduce the amount of space needed (for design and construction) or reduce the construction timeline.

Client Experience

Client experience in the healthcare industry has been a major recent focus. The use of technology to assist patients/clients coming on-site when it comes to dealing with scheduling or wayfinding within the building must be planned for. We must also consider future technologies and any infrastructure needs that can be incorporated now (within reasonable cost) as well. While many design features like natural light and access to green space have been incorporated for many years, additional features like circadian lighting, access to a nice cup of coffee, or more of a spa feel are now being considered. Location of these facilities is also a huge factor as convenient access to care becomes a higher priority, be it closer to home or nearer to a location with access to other amenities.

Adaptive Reuse

The conference furthermore delved into the practical and financial benefits of repurposing existing buildings into state-of-the-art medical facilities. Speakers discussed various conversion projects, ranging from retail spaces being turned into urgent care centers to office buildings transformed into outpatient clinics. Key considerations such as zoning regulations, structural modifications, and community impact were explored. The consensus was that adaptive reuse not only maximizes resource efficiency but also significantly cuts down construction time and costs.

Conclusion

The event overall underscored the transformative potential of sustainable practices and strategic planning in healthcare real estate. By implementing eco-friendly solutions, embracing ESG principles, maximizing space utilization, prioritizing client experience, and converting existing structures, the industry can enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. Attendees left with a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights to drive their projects forward in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Henderson Knows Health

We’ve been designing healthcare projects for 25+ years and understand that each facility, campus, and project requires a unique approach. With that great responsibility comes the need to design solutions for patient safety, complex equipment, facility infrastructure, and resident comfort. The Health Sector is growing and changing quickly. Our experts are on the frontlines helping healthcare providers navigate new technology, complicated code requirements, and the emergence of neighborhood medtail clinics – all while taking patient care and safety as seriously as our clients do.