(USGBC: Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Guide for Health Care have agreed to help green the health care industry by fostering best practices and ensuring that the health care industry has the tools and resources to build green. Green hospital buildings are healthier for the patients, doctors, and nurses; use less energy and water; and have less of an effect on the environment.

“The health care industry is by far one of the more important sectors that can benefit from the practice of green building design and construction,” says Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO, and founding chair. “Patients in green hospitals have greater emotional well-being, require less pain medication and other drugs, and have shorter hospital stays.”

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