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Making the Case for Building Green Health Care Facilities

Sponsored by the Business & Industry Resource Venture


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Sustainability:
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
We are all here together, at once, at the service and
mercy of nature and each other. Paul Hawken, Ecology of Commerce

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What is Sustainable Building?


A philosophy that integrates environmental quality, economic vitality, and social benefit/equity through the design, construction, and operation of the built environment.

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What is a Green Building?


...buildings designed, constructed, and operated to be very energy efficient; use construction materials wisely, including recycled, renewable, and reused resources to the maximum extent practical; are healthy for their occupants; and typically have lower operation and maintenance costs. - City of Seattle, 2/12/01

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Modern Buildings Spend Natural Capital... 40% Timber

30% 20% 10% 0%

Water Energy Raw Materials


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With Significant Consequences


Use of Virgin Materials

Landscape destruction Toxic runoff from mines Deforestation Air and Water Pollution

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With Significant Consequences


Use of Energy Resources

Local air pollution Damming of rivers Global warming and climate change

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With Significant Consequences


Production of waste

Landfill problems
Leaching of heavy metals Water pollution

Unhealthy indoor air

Illness, Health complaints Reduced productivity absenteeism


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So Who Will Pay the Price of Spending our Natural Capital?

Higher energy costs


Higher water rates Higher costs for raw materials Higher costs for environmental fixes Higher costs for labor Higher costs to maintain an un-sustainable quality of life

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Environmental Objectives
Indoor Environmental Quality
Lighting Ergonomics IAQ Acoustical and Thermal Comfort

Resource Conservation
Energy, Water, Materials

Ecosystem Protection
Site-Based Region Beyond
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Benefits of Achieving Objectives


Indoor Environmental Quality
Improved health and productivity of building users

Resource Conservation
Reduced operating costs for energy and water using equipment Reduced materials waste

Ecosystem Protection
Reduced cost for stormwater protection Protected water resources
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Key Areas of Potential for Green Health Care Facilities

Productivity and Health for Patients and Employees


Indoor Environmental Quality

Reducing Demand for Resources


Energy Efficiency Water Conservation Material Efficiency
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Key Areas of Concern for Green Health Care Facilities

Cost Minimize by integrated design, identify trade-offs LCA to identify offsets through operational savings Low technology approaches Full commissioning/Training Integrate incentives in planning (see handout)
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Key Areas of Concern for Green Health Care Facilities

Risk
Rely on tested technologies and products (eco-labels, reliable directories)

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Key Areas of Concern for Green Health Care Facilities

Risk (continued)
Focus on big bang items Start from where you are Work out the bugs Rely on professionals with green experience

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Key Areas of Concern for Green Health Care Facilities

Risk (continued)
Integrate local resources in planning process (see handout) Use a systematic approach

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US Green Building Council


Formed in 1993 to accelerate the adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies, and standards. Council membership-more than 275 organizations including:

product manufacturers environmental leaders building and design professionals retailers and building owners

Overview of LEED
Encourages integrated approach Focuses on five environmental disciplines Self-assessing system requiring documentation Offers four levels of certification Intended for the U. S. Market

LEED Development to Date


LEED Commercial V.2.0, March 2000 rates new and existing commercial, institutional and high-rise residential bldgs. LEED Interiors, 2001, (Draft under review) rates tenant improvements. LEED Residential, 2001, (In committee, under development)

LEED Environmental Disciplines


Sustainable Sites (8 credits/14 points) Water Efficiency (3 credits/5 points) Energy and Atmosphere (6 credits/17 points) Materials Efficiency (7 credits/13 points) Indoor Environmental Quality (8 credits/15 points) Innovation Credits (4 credits/4 points)

LEED Certification Levels


LEED Certified Silver Level Gold Level Platinum Level 26-32 points 33-38 points 39-51 points 52 + points (40-50%) (51-60%) (61-80%) (81% +)

Why Adopt LEED for Your Projects?


Green design has growing market value. Provides an opportunity for leadership and legacy. Public policies are promoting green building - a national trend. Provides you with a clear benchmark for whats being recognized as green. Documentation requirements lend credibility to claims to green design.

City of Seattle Sustainable Building Policy Today


It shall be the policy of the City of Seattle to finance, plan, design, construct, manage, renovate, maintain, and decommission its facilities and buildings to be sustainable. The US Green Building Councils LEED rating system shall be used as a design and measurement tool to determine what constitutes sustainable building by national standards. All new and remodeled facilities and buildings over 5,000 gross square feet of occupied space shall meet a minimum LEED Silver rating.

City of Seattle Sustainable Building Policy - Future


2/12/01 City Ordinance: Studies to
Development of City Wide Green Building Program. Accelerate Incentives and/or Requirements for Commercial and Residential (non-city funded). Amend Seattle Energy Code to 20% beyond current baselines. Enhance Code Enforcement procedures. Accelerate Greening of City Facilities

Recommended Strategies for Implementation of LEED


Sustainable design charrette early in schematic design Use whole system thinking to explore design relationships Emphasize a multi-disciplinary, team design approach Consider adding a sustainable design specialist to project team

Planning Sustainable Sites


Location of the building

Protecting natural and agricultural areas Infill and brownfield development Reducing need for automobile use

Protection and restoration of the site Innovative stormwater management Light pollution reduction

Safeguarding Water
Reduce the quantity of water needed for the building and its occupants Limit use of potable water use for irrigation Use innovative wastewater technologies Safeguard the quality of drinking water and water in our rivers, streams, and lakes

Improving Atmosphere and Energy Efficiency


Improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use Use renewable and alternative energy sources Provide building commissioning Eliminate CFCs, HCFCs, Halons (ozone depletion)

Conserving Materials and Resources


Reuse an existing building Reduce the amount of materials needed Use local, regional, and renewable materials Choose materials with less environmental impact Use certified sustainably harvested wood Reduce and manage waste

Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality


Eliminate or reduce the sources of indoor pollutants Ventilate and manage pollutants Ensure thermal comfort Monitor air quality Provide daylight and views

LEED Certification Process


Project Registration Technical Support Certification Application

Application form and LEED Scorecard Completed documentation required for credits

LEED Design Resources


Supplements to LEED (locally driven) http://www.usgbc.org

LEED V.2, Training and LEED Reference Guide

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