“Eds & Meds” by linda F. jarrett As the Gospel of Green and Sustainable spreads throughout the land, incorporating good environmental and ecology-friendly practices has infiltrated many area medical and educational institutions. While some have built LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified buildings, others have plans in the pipeline for green projects, possibly for LEED certification, and some have instituted sustainable steps within their companies. A check of some area hospitals, medical centers, colleges and universities showed that St. Louis has taken the green movement to a new level and is seeking to transform the region into a “GreenBelt” economy. HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS BJC HealthCare: The new Progress West Medical office building in St. Charles County, and the BJC Institute of Health at Washington University, both currently under construction, have been submitted to the U.S. Green Building Council for Gold LEED certification, and are awaiting the results. The Orthopedics Center, Chesterfield, Mo., the first BJC project registered with the USGBC received LEED certification in November. - Progress West: Rain water flows naturally through site stormwater management and rainfall runoff detention. The bioswales in the parking lots and a wetland for filtration drain stormwater into a retention pond and control outflow into the local stream. Plans are in place for reducing potable water by 30 percent. Bicycling and carpooling is encouraged. The landscape consists of native plants and vegetation. The building façade, insulation, interior and exterior lighting, and HVAC systems are designed to improve building performance and efficiency by almost 24 percent. A goal of using materials with 30 percent recycled content has been set, and the project is on track to recycle over 90 percent construction waste. All adhesives, sealants, paints, materials, carpets and wood are required to be of materials with low to no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). - BJC Institute of Health at Washington University lies in a highly dense academic/ medical campus in an urban location, so alternative means of transportation by visitors and employees is encouraged. A green roof reduces impact on the local macroclimate. Water conservation fixtures have reduced potable water by 20 percent. The HVAC system and outside air systems are closely monitored, and all adhesives, sealants, paints, materials, carpets and worlds are made of low to no VOCs. - The Orthopedics Center uses stormwater management and rainfall runoff detention to keep nearby streams from eroding and flooding. Landscaping utilizes natural plants and adaptive vegetation, and high efficiency water fixtures have reduced potable water demand by 20 percent. HVAC systems have controls allowing predicted versus actual energy usage. Over 50 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills and much of the building material contained recycled content. The center has increased ventilation rates to 30 percent higher than a standard building. t SSM Health Care, St. Clare Health Center, Workers from Bi-State Roof Systems set 750 plant modules on the roof above Emergency Services. SSM Health Care: St. Clare Health Center received a $55,000 grant from the Home Depot Foundation to create a green roof for their new center in Fenton, Mo. Green roof benefits include controlling stormwater runoff, conserving energy, creating a habitat for butterflies, insects and songbirds, and improving the aesthetic environment. On sunny days with an air temperature of 95 degrees, traditional roofs can easily reach temperatures of 175 degrees or more. Green roofs can reduce indoor temperatures by six to eight degrees during hot weather and reduce air-conditioning costs 25 to 50 percent. The grant also will be used to develop educational materials highlighting the ben- 28 . ST. LOUIS COMMERCE . january • February 2010 commerce-CS4.indd 28 12/28/09 9:39 PM