Embracing green initiatives and achieving LEED certification can help health care facilities and practitioners utilize sustainable and environmentally-conscious building practices and operations, save building operational costs, and promote good stewardship of the environment. Achieving LEED certification can also often qualify a project for tax credits, grants, and even rebates through the utilization of energy efficient building components. Also, many states and municipalities are now requiring LEED certification for either publicly-funded buildings or for privately-funded commercial construction.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and was established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Obtaining LEED certification for a project through third party verification by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) can reduce the operating costs of a building, enhance its marketability, and improve the comfort of its occupants. There are several different rating systems, or standards, under which a project applicant can achieve LEED certification. Existing rating systems include New Construction (includes major renovation), Existing Buildings-Operations & Maintenance, Commercial Interiors, Core & Shell, Schools, Homes, and Neighborhood Development.
For hospitals and medical office buildings and facilities, LEED certification has been obtained to date through one of the existing rating systems such as New Construction or Existing Buildings-Operations & Maintenance. A new Healthcare-based rating system designed specifically for Healthcare, however, has been developed by the USGBC and is currently under review by the steering committee of the USGBC. This new rating system is expected to be issued in 2010.
The LEED for Healthcare rating system was developed to meet the specific needs of the health care market including inpatient care facilities, licensed outpatient care facilities, and licensed long term care facilities. It can also be used for medical offices, assisted living facilities and medical education and research centers. LEED certification of a healthcare building can not only result in future cost savings, but can result in a healthy and comfortable environment for both patients and medical staff.
Morris, Manning & Martin’s Green Industry Practice is well versed in green initiatives and LEED certification requirements. We can assist in putting together the right team members - architectural design, construction, energy design or retrofitting, landscaping design, and green product selection - to enable you to take advantage of these emerging opportunities.