Medical Construction & Design

JAN-FEB 2015

Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.

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Energy generation The North Wake Landfi ll Park incorporates a play area and connections to greenways. A continuous urban land area of this size could also be used to generate renewable energy. Therefore, a large photovoltaic array was proposed, which required minimal disturbance of the North Wake Landfi ll site and could be tied into existing infrastructure for transmission based on its urban location. A utility easement for power lines runs the north-south length of the energy district, and this extensive area might serve the district for energy generation. A large PV or geothermal system could be installed within the boundaries of the easement. A geothermal system could be utility operated and tie directly into the HVAC systems on properties adjacent to the easement. The amount of potential renew- able energy generation through PV Chart: Chambers Design Illustration: DollarPhotoClub.com estimated at 213 kBtu/ft2/yr. This is emblematic of common initial operating issues, such as mainte- nance staf training and addressing issues with workarounds rather than resolution of underlying issues. A healthy building focus Safeguarding human health should underlie all healthcare design and construction decisions. Aiming to cre- ate a healthy building and healing en- vironment for patients, the WakeMed North project eliminated materials causing adverse health ef ects, pro- vided access to natural light and views while avoiding thermal discomfort and introduced individual lighting and HVAC controls. Special care was also given to sound transmission, and places of respite were provided for patients, visitors and health providers. The next horizon — design scale The next horizon is an expansion from sustainable buildings to sus- tainable districts, allowing resources and amenities to be organized more ef ciently and sustainably. The district scale emphasizes ef- fi ciency, resiliency and community and allows ef orts like net zero and net positive energy and water. To illustrate the potential for district resource sharing, a hypo- thetical study was undertaken to design a net zero energy district around WakeMed North Hospital using the diverse context within a 2-square-mile area of the hospital. Green news & practices systems (64.7 million kWh/yr) would exceed the energy needs for the hospital, residential and commercial properties within the district (28.9 million kWh/yr). Energy is only a fraction of the overall sustainability of any building, development or neighborhood. However, the successful implemen- tation of net zero energy strategies could catalyze development within this hypothetical district toward increased water conservation and ef ciency, healthy materials and air quality, interconnectedness and community, among many other topics. Healthcare design has the power to catalyze and inspire sustainability and benefi cially transform industry practices. Continued progress will require an integrated team approach, quantitative methodologies and knowledge of healthy buildings. Embracing a broader defi nition of sustainability has the potential to support the industry in aligning its mission with its physical presence in the daily life of communities. The vision for the role of healthcare facilities outlined here has the capacity to make signifi cant, positive impacts on individuals, society and future generations. Tim Spence, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C, is BBH design principal and healthcare market lead. Maria Papiez, M.S., M. Arch., is BBH design associate and sustainability lead. Neil Chambers, LEED AP BD+C, is CEO and founder of Chambers Design. UPMC East Monroeville, Pa. 156-bed community hospital CONSTRUCTION: New build TIMELINE: 2008-12 AREA: 302,000 sq ft CERTIFICATION SYSTEM/LEVEL: LEED Silver (v. 2.2) __ Above:UPMC East solar orientation studies. Practice Greenhealth Receives Top ASAE Honors for Healthier Hospitals Initiative Practice Greenhealth has earned a 2014 ASAE Power of A Gold Award for its Healthier Hospitals Initiative. Practice Greenhealth was recognized for its collaborative efforts to guide hospitals in reducing energy and waste, choosing safer, less toxic products and purchasing and serving healthier, locally sourced foods. The American Society of Association Executives' Power of A (association) Awards, the industry's highest honor, recognize valuable contributions on the local, national and global level. The Power of A Awards reward outstanding accomplishments of associations and industry professionals for efforts to enrich lives, create a competitive workforce, prepare society for the future, drive innovation and make a better world. 52 Medical Construction & Design | JA N UA RY/ F EBRUA RY 2015 | MCDM AG.COM

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