Investment in Infrastructure at Sea-Level Hospital Will Pay Off by Reducing Risk

Built very close to sea level, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston implemented innovative strategies to keep critical infrastructure and patient care above future flood levels. The hospital incorporated extensive green roofs as part of its feature to reduce stormwater runoff during heavy precipitation. Additional features to improve flood resilience include granite and landscape berms as well as improved drainage network. A gas-fired, on-site combined heat and power system is also going to save estimated 30% less energy cost for the hospital. While these features collectively added 0.3 to 0.5 percent of the initial cost of construction, they are offering operational savings from reduction in flood risk, energy consumption, and carbon emission.