As leaders in the fields of nonprofit advocacy for healing spaces and health economics, we’ve long believed in the power of nature to transform healthcare. Together, as CEO and board member of the national nonprofit Nature Sacred, and with Dr. Sean Murphy, a health economist at Weill Cornell Medical College, we bring a unique perspective. Our recent collaboration has underscored a powerful truth: hospital green spaces aren’t just good for the soul—they’re good for health outcomes and the bottom line, potentially saving hospitals millions of dollars annually.
For over two decades, Nature Sacred has been creating “Sacred Places” —accessible green spaces in urban environments. We’ve seen firsthand how these oases of calm can change lives. Now, we have the numbers to prove they can change balance sheets, too.
Dr. Murphy’s team developed a calculator that estimates the cost savings associated with reducing burnout among healthcare professionals through the implementation of hospital green spaces. The results are staggering. A mid-sized hospital investing just $50,000 in establishing a green space, with $10,000 in annual maintenance, could save over $7.7 million in the first year alone.
Ultimately, this isn’t about the money. It’s about addressing a crisis in our healthcare system. Burnout among healthcare professionals was already at critical levels before the pandemic. Now, it has reached crisis levels, becoming an epidemic in its own right. The costs – both human and financial – are enormous. Burnout leads to increased turnover, reduced productivity, and higher rates of medical errors. So this really affects patient outcomes. It’s a cycle that damages lives and drains resources.
But here’s the good news: we have a solution that’s both powerful and surprisingly simple. By providing accessible green spaces, hospitals can significantly reduce stress and burnout among their staff. These spaces offer a much-needed respite, a place to recharge and reconnect. They’re not a luxury; they’re a necessity.
And the benefits extend beyond staff. Patients recover faster, require shorter hospital stays, and report better overall experiences when they have access to nature. It’s a win-win-win scenario: staff are happier, patients heal faster, and hospitals save money.
Some might argue that in these challenging times, hospitals can’t afford to invest in green spaces. Our research suggests they can’t afford not to. The return on investment is swift and substantial. It’s a rare opportunity to address multiple challenges with a single, cost-effective solution.
At Nature Sacred, we’ve always known that connecting with nature is transformative; this is something we have witnessed, up close, for more than 25 years. Now, we have the data to prove it’s not just good for people, but also smart business, and to put a specific value on it. Our research quantifies the significant financial benefits of integrating nature into healthcare settings.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, it’s time to recognize the healing power of nature not just as a nice-to-have, but as a critical component of a well-functioning, financially sustainable healthcare system.
We urge and invite hospital administrators, healthcare policymakers, and community leaders to explore this opportunity. Use our calculator. Consider your options. Think about how a relatively small investment could yield significant returns – both financial and human.
In these challenging times, we need solutions that address multiple problems simultaneously. Hospital green spaces do just that. They offer a path to healthier staff, happier patients, and healthier bottom lines. It’s time to bring nature’s healing power into the heart of our healthcare system.
Alden E. Stoner is CEO of Nature Sacred, a national nonprofit that creates public green spaces—called Sacred Places—to improve mental health, unify communities, and foster peace. For over 25 years, Nature Sacred has partnered with 100+ communities to bring nearby nature to where healing is most needed: neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, prisons, and more.
Glen Stewart is founder and CEO of Marquis Leadership, the premier provider of leadership development and executive coaching for healthcare organizations. With decades of experience, he has coached thousands of healthcare leaders—from surgeons to senior executives—across clinical, academic, and research settings, helping them strengthen leadership, navigate complexity, and build high-performing teams.
