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Ever since the 175-bed institution opened its doors to patients in December 2009 - a few days before it received its platinum certification - it has managed to slash its electricity bill, water taxes and also managed to attract more patients, administrators say. This, apart from the goodwill it has generated by offering many of its multi-disciplinary services at a fraction of what other hospitals charge. "When we save on water and electricity costs, these benefits get passed on to the patient who, consequently, pays less for his treatment," says Dr Rajeev Boudhankar, vice president of Kohinoor Hospital.

"The hospital is the Kohinoor group's corporate social responsibility initiative." It's not easy to set up a green hospital. Mainly because of the inherent contradictions between the nature of the business itself and the criteria a hospital must meet to be certified environment-friendly. According Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a 'green building' must consume 40% less energy and water than a regular building, among other things. This becomes a challenge in a 24x7 operation like a hospital. "You are open, day or night, and running medical equipment and facilities that are highly energy-consuming," says Sandeep Shikre of SSA Architects and IGBC member.

Read more at http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/14318366.cms?prtpage=1