SSc8: Direct Exterior Access – Above Green

(1 point)

Intent

To provide patients and staff with the health benefits associated with direct access to the natural environment.

Requirements

Provide direct access to an exterior courtyard, terrace, garden, or balcony. The space must be at least 5 square feet (0.5 square meters) per patient for 75% of all inpatients and 75% of qualifying outpatients whose clinical length of stay (LOS) exceeds four hours.

Patients whose length of stay exceeds four hours, and whose treatment makes them unable to move, such as emergency, stage 1 surgical recovery, and critical care patients, may be excluded.

Places of respite outside the building envelope that meet the requirements of SS Credit Places of Respite that are immediately adjacent to clinical areas or with direct access from inpatient units may be included.

Qualifying spaces must be designated as nonsmoking The spaces must also meet the requirements for outdoor air contaminant concentrations enumerated in EQ Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2 and be located more than 100 feet (30 meters) from building exhaust air locations, loading docks, and roadways with idling vehicles.