Cowichan District Hospital’s new facility has been recognized as the first fossil fuel free building in BC and Canada’s first building to achieve Zero Carbon Building Design.
While the new facility will be able to accommodate more spaces for patients, Island Health says the region and province should take pride in this accomplishment to set the benchmark high for the future.
“The future CDH sets the benchmark for healthcare infrastructure by optimizing energy use and future-proofing the building for better performance through extreme weather and climate-related events,” they say.
The new hospital’s infrastructure will boast a fully electric operation, high energy efficient design, better air quality, water conversion strategies, sustainable materials, and LED lighting.
Minister of infrastructure Bowinn Ma says the province, along with Island Health is looking forward to building more facilities designed to accommodate communities for the future.
“This certification shows that through innovative design; we can create hospitals that support the well-being of families and a sustainable future,” Ma says.
Parliamentary secretary for rural health Debra Toporowski says it’s time people get the healthcare they need and address climate issues at the same time.
“The health of our environment is an important part of our overall health,” she says. “That’s why I’m so glad that the future Cowichan District Hospital will provide the healthcare services people need, while minimizing the impact on the land, water and air around us.”
Construction on the new hospital is expected to be done next year, and open to patients in 2027.
