Irvine hospital’s furnishings set new standards in sustainability, safety

When planners began designing UCI Health — Irvine, they envisioned the nation’s most technologically advanced acute care hospital as a healing space, one built in harmony with nature, welcoming all who would enter its doors.

They imagined each space as an oasis of calm, drenched in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows with comfortable furnishings to promote wellness and make patients and their loved ones feel at home.

Today, behind every piece of furniture in the newly opened, seven-story hospital in Irvine is an ironclad commitment to innovation, sustainability, health and patient safety.

“When our guests are sitting in a chair, they’re not touching a chemical of concern or smelling the vapors of one,” says Ellen Khoudari, a senior project manager with UCI Health Planning Administration.

In 2019, the UCI Health planning team intentionally sought to identify furnishings that would comply with sustainability guidelines that had just been issued by the University of California Office of the President. These included:

• Eliminating chemicals of concern, including formaldehyde, antimicrobials, flame retardants, vinyl and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as ‘forever chemicals’)
• Fabrics and textiles must be cleanable without using dry-cleaning chemicals
• Avoiding plated finishes containing heavy metals and hexavalent chromium

However, many manufacturers were unprepared to meet those standards. The team sought suppliers who would be willing to work with UCI Health to set a new standard in healthcare furnishings for the sake of the environment and the health of those who visit the new hospital.

“We challenged them to create and certify sustainable, safer products that would meet our goal of bringing healthier environments into our buildings for our patients, guests and co-workers,” Khoudari says.

“And we were able to convince many of these manufacturers to innovate, opening the door for healthier interiors.”

Most suppliers were excited to meet the challenge, says Khoudari, adding that medical centers in the state are taking note. “We were able to push the market to be more sustainable.”

The end result is furnishings that anyone can feel safe being around and using. New furniture throughout UCI Health will be required to meet this higher standard.

“It’s better for staff, patients and visitors,” says Tony Dover, energy management and sustainability officer for UCI Health. “It’s a great success story!”