04/29/2025
As a climate positive radio station, we've been excited to see some of the steps that our friends MaineHealth are taking to Celebrate Sustainability.
Last year, MaineHealth opened the Malone Family Tower on its MaineHealth Maine Medical Center campus in downtown Portland. From the beginning, the building was intended not only to improve patient care, but to also contribute to the organization’s sustainability goals. One of the most visible and unique sustainability features of the building is the “Green Roof,” an outdoor space that is accessible to patients, visitors, and the care team. The roof will look a lot “greener” in the coming months, but it’s still doing its job — some of the key benefits of the Green Roof include:
Open Space
o Creates exterior open space that encourages interaction with the environment, social interaction, relaxation, and physical activities. Research has shown that exposure to nature during a hospital stay has a therapeutic effect, particularly with anxiety/depression, pain, and patient satisfaction.
Rainwater Management
o Reduce runoff volume to reduce strain on sewer systems and local waterways. Studies show a green roof can absorb 75-90% of annual rainfall. It also acts as a filter to improve the quality of any remaining water runoff.
Heat Island Reduction
o Dense buildings, pavements and lack of vegetation, can lead to “heat island” effects, making urban areas 1-7 degrees warmer than surrounding areas. A green roof reduces temperatures and helps to mitigate Heat-Related Illness and Mortality, lower energy costs, and reduce air pollution that is exacerbated by increased heat.
paid for by MaineHealth
