Health Care Goes Green, and Then Some

Healthcare construction has slowed a bit in the last few years, but it remains a critically important sector for many AEC firms. While healthcare clients are demanding sustainable design and construction as a matter of course, green building is no longer limited strictly to hospital projects.

In Seattle, Swedish Cancer Institute has installed a factory-fabricated radiotherapy treatment “vault” to house its TomoTherapy treatment system. RAD Technology Medical Systems manufactured steel modules for the vault at its production facility, along with prefab wood modules for the patient exam and office portion of the nearly 4,000-sf facility. It is believed to be the first radiation center to earn LEED Silver certification.

Another first—at least for a privately owned facility—goes to San Francisco Surgical Arts’ LEED-CI Platinum (v.2009) oral and maxillofacial surgery office. Environmental Building Strategies led the Building Team—medical designer Kohan Inc. and contractor All Phase Builders—in reducing lighting power 37% and water usage 40% over conventional facilities. Solar-powered keyboards and Energy Star-qualified LED monitors and appliances were also used.

For the $538 million expansion of Phoenix Children’s Hospital (designed by HKS to Green Guide for Health Care standards), Kitchell Contractors built a central energy plant for the 34-acre campus that employs a high-efficiency, 800-ton water-to-water heat pump chiller, a technology widely used in the Middle East.

The central plant will save 5.6 million gallons of water per year, reduce natural gas consumption by 70%, and trim energy and operating costs $11 million over 15 years. The project also received a $464,000 cash award from APS Solutions for Business, the local electrical utility’s energy-conservation program for commercial customers.

Another project seeking to break new ground in sustainability is the Palliative Care Campus, a 120-unit Enhanced Assisted Living Residence for persons with serious progressive illnesses. It is said to be the world’s first spirit-centered, enhanced assisted-living community residence. The client, the HealthCare Chaplaincy, is a national leader in research, education, and multi-faith patient-centered care. FXFOWLE Architects is the AOR and designer, in collaboration with MHG Architects and Clodagh Design.

The 16-story, 180,000-sf project, to be built in Lower Manhattan along the East River, will also house a geriatric and palliative care outpatient medical practice, plus research, educational, clinical practice, and administrative spaces. The facility will address not only patients’ physical ills, but also their psychological and spiritual well-being. The HealthCare Chaplaincy hopes the new campus will serve as a national demonstration project for the healthcare industry.

This article first appeared at Building Design + Construction, www.bdcnetwork.com. The article can be seen in its entirety at http://www.bdcnetwork.com/greenbuild-2012-report-healthcare. 

Turner Construction Survey Shows New Green Building Findings

Turner Construction Co. has announced the results of a new Market Barometer survey that focused on environmentally-sustainable, or green, building, and on sustainable practices in general. Key findings revealed that companies remain committed to constructing green buildings. While executives remained committed to incorporating sustainable building practices into their building programs, fewer said their companies were likely to seek LEED certification from the US Green Building Council when constructing a green building. 
 

Brightening Outlook for Construction Projects
Among real estate owners, developers, and corporate owner-occupants, 64% said they expect to undertake new construction projects over the next 12 months (up from 46% in the 2010 survey), and 71% said they expect to undertake renovation projects over the same period (up from 58% in the 2010 survey).

Widespread Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Ninety percent of respondents said their companies were committed to environmentally-sustainable practices. Of that percentage, 56% of executives said their companies were extremely or very committed to following environmentally-sustainable practices in their operations, while an additional 34% said they were somewhat committed.  In addition to citing financial reasons for this commitment, executives were most likely to cite broader considerations as extremely or very important including belief that it's the 'right thing to do,' (68%), impact on brand/reputation (67%), and customer requirements (61%), along with cost savings (66%).

Reducing Energy Costs and Operating Expenses are the Key Drivers to Green Construction
Executives were most likely to cite financial factors as being important to their companies' decisions on whether to incorporate Green features in a construction project. Respondents indicated that energy efficiency (84%) and ongoing operations and maintenance costs (84%) were extremely or very important to their decisions. 

More than two-thirds of executives also said that non-financial factors were extremely or very important including indoor air quality (74%), health and well-being of occupants (74%), satisfaction of employees/occupants (69%) and employee productivity (67%). However, only 37% of executives said it was extremely or very important to their companies to minimize the carbon footprint of their buildings. 

This suggests that the decision to incorporate Green features is driven by a desire to reduce cost followed by an interest to improve the indoor environment for building occupants, rather than broader concerns about the impact of buildings on the global environment. 

More than half of executives said their companies would be extremely or very likely to invest in improved indoor environmental quality (63%), improved water efficiency (57%), and Green materials (53%) if they were undertaking a construction project.

"Energy efficiency figures prominently in the decision-making process of green building primarily because of its large economic impact. Water efficiency in Green construction was seen as less important.  This is in spite of a growing awareness that water is a finite resource, both in its operational use and its role in the production of goods and materials. While the direct economic impact of water efficiency is less than the savings on energy, its environmental impact is quite significant," said Michael Deane, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Turner Construction.

Fewer Companies Plan to Seek LEED Certification
Although the vast majority of companies remain committed to Green buildings, the percentage of executives who thought it was extremely or very likely that their company would seek LEED certification if they constructed a Green building was only 48%, down from 53% in the 2010 survey and 61% in the 2008 survey. Among executives who said their companies were not likely to seek LEED certification, the most important reasons cited were the cost of the certification process (82%), staff time required (79%), time required for the process (75%), and the overall perceived difficulty of the process (74%). 

It is apparent that in the last four years many companies seem to have become more knowledgeable about the means and methods of designing and constructing Green buildings and are less reliant on LEED as a checklist or a scorecard, as indicated by 52% of executives saying that they were only somewhat or not likely to seek LEED certification when undertaking a construction project. At the same time, 41% of executives thought it was at least somewhat likely that their companies would consider seeking certification under a rating system other than LEED if they constructed a Green building. Of those executives who indicated they would consider another system, 63% said they would be extremely or very likely to consider seeking certification under ENERGY STAR, which again highlights the importance of energy efficiency.  It should be noted that building owners may elect to certify under more than one rating system.

"We've seen from our own work and the continuing growth of the green building market that in spite of this reduction in enthusiasm for LEED certification, respondents are still building green," said Deane. "While some respondents are relying on their own standards or are considering another rating system, LEED certification remains the most widely used third party verification of achievement that is recognized by consumers and that can be used to market and promote a property."

Concerns Persist about Construction Costs and the Length of the Payback Period
When asked what length of payback period would be acceptable when considering Green features, 44% of executives said they would accept five years and almost 80% of executives said they would accept a payback period of five years or longer. Despite the acceptance by most executives of an extended payback period, 61% of executives still felt that the length of the payback period was an extremely or very significant obstacle to the construction of Green buildings while 62% cited higher construction costs. 

Denver Excelling in LEED Green Building Development

The Mile High City has a decidedly green tinge. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) says nearly 30 projects in Denver have achieved LEED green building certification since 2010, and two of these developments achieved LEED’s highest rating, Platinum.

Colorado'’s culture of sustainability and conservation are part of its DNA; individual cities like Denver clearly understand the importance of green building as a part of that culture,” says Deb Kleinman, executive director of USGBC Colorado Chapter. “From the largest commercial buildings to schools and universities, and individual homes, Denver is embracing LEED and its comprehensive approach and process for green building.”

There are about 230 LEED-certified and -registered projects in Denver. Notable newly certified projects in 2010 include the Wells Fargo Center; Legacy Plaza, home of Gates’ Corporation’'s world headquarters; the Colorado Convention Center; and Denver Public Schools’ Evie Garrett Dennis E-12 Campus. Xcel Energy’'s new headquarters, 1800 Larimer, and the Group14 (formerly Enermodal Reilly) office both achieved LEED Platinum.

In the first month of 2011, three buildings in the Denver Metro Area were certified, including the Auraria Science Building, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment building and Colorado Center Tower Two.

The LEED green building program sets the benchmark for what is possible with high-performing buildings,” says Scot Horst, senior VP of LEED, USGBC. “Denver has been a pioneer in the green building efforts, setting examples and showcasing new innovation with its many LEED projects.”

Denver has been a longtime supporter of green building initiatives and legislation. In 2006, it was the host of the USGBC'”s annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and the following year, then Mayor John W. Hickenlooper enacted Executive Order 123, requiring new municipal building construction over 5,000 square feet to earn LEED Silver. Mayor Hickenlooper also was a member of the USGBC'’s Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools, a coalition of mayors seeking to promote the benefits of green schools in their cities and towns.

Seeing former Mayor Hickenlooper now in the Governor’s chair is a testament to his leadership,” added Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, USGBC. “He continues to be a supporter and leader in green building initiatives.”

USGBC'’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings. More than 40,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 7.9 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 117 countries. In addition, nearly 10,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 45,000 more homes registere.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. For the full list of LEED-certified projects nationally visit: www.usgbc.org/press.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

Investment in Equipment Possible for Contracting Companies

Hydro Mobile has developed a new set of tools and programs to support its existing and potential customers.

“We know how hard construction trades have been hit by the recession,” says Benoit Duplessis, president of Hydro Mobile. “Knowing that our products’ success has been based on increasing productivity, safety and profitability, we are now proud to announce that Hydro Mobile holds the key to giving contractors stronger financial, operational and technical support. We offer new services and support that facilitate activities, decrease costs and, most importantly, make the way for more profit opportunities.”

Duplessis says one of the key elements in the new program is Hydro Mobile’s involvement on the used equipment market. “We can now offer a choice of used machines refurbished and supported by our own extended warranty at a very competitive price,” he says. “Parallel to that, this new venture will allow us to buy used equipment and facilitate equipment trading, allowing fleet upgrades at a reduced cost.”

Hydro Mobile’s new offer also includes different financial and operational programs offered to its distribution network, and end-users can benefit from financing options, payment facilities and support programs to answer specific needs.

LEEDing the Way

By Jennifer Morrell

Having recently returned from the 2010 Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, I am energized and motivated about all things green. No paper, no carbon footprint, and only sustainable materials (think: masonry) are the way to go. Of the dozens of trade shows I’ve attended annually throughout my career as an editor, I have to say that Greenbuild seems to have snowballed the quickest. During only four annual trips to this show, I have watched it vigorously grow. To that end, I have a few “did you know?” items to share.

For instance, did you know there are 1 billion square feet of LEED-certified green building projects worldwide? That’s right: As of November 2010, the total footprint of commercial projects certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Green Building Rating System surpassed 1 billion square feet. What’s more, another 6 billion square feet of projects are registered and currently working toward LEED certification around the world. By consuming less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to healthier environments for residents, workers and the community.

More good news: Did you know that green jobs are on the rise? The 2010 Greenbuild show was home to a Green Jobs Fair and Summit, hosted in partnership with the BlueGreen Alliance and the City of Chicago.

“Chicago is ripe with green job opportunities, making it an ideal platform to host the Green Jobs Summit and Green Jobs Fair,” said Kimberly Lewis, VP of conferences and events, USGBC, adding that the green building industry, is predicted to support or create nearly 8 million jobs between 2009 and 2013, and contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product.”

And finally, did you know the USGBC announced the recipients of its 2010 Leadership Awards during the Closing Plenary at Greenbuild? Illinois State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) was honored as an Individual recipient in the Leadership in the Public Sector Category. She is a founding member of USGBC’s 50 for 50 Green Schools Caucus Initiative and a green schools champion.

The Recovery School District received an award for its steadfast commitment to rebuilding healthy, high-performing schools for New Orleans. Five years after the devastating hurricanes that ravaged New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast, the District made rebuilding sustainably a priority, committing to build all public schools to a minimum of LEED Silver.

In the Private Sector Category, Interface Founder and Chairman Ray Anderson was honored as an Individual recipient for his steadfast commitment to transforming the carpet manufacturing industry into a restorative enterprise. Since 1994, Anderson has been leading Interface toward eliminating any negative impact the company has on the environment by 2020.

Skanska was honored in the Private Sector Category for its commitment to worldwide market transformation. With a portfolio of numerous LEED-certified buildings, its Commercial Development group set the floor at LEED Gold for all projects it develops.

The Syracuse Center of Excellence in New York received this year’s award for Leadership in the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The center has exhibited extraordinary leadership in creating innovations in environmental and energy technologies and their immediate application.

Richard Piacentini, executive director of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, received the award for Individual Leadership in the NGO category. He has been touted for leading the transformation of a century-old conservatory into a model of green building practices and environmental awareness, including earning LEED Silver for its Welcome Center.